
Qass_ 
Book_ 



H 



■As 

192 1 



H5S53 



Chicago, Illinois 
FIFTH EDITION 

as 
Amended, July 1919 



September, 1921 



COPYRIGHT, 1890 



PREFACE, 



In pursuance of a call issued and endorsed by 
several Grand Chapters, a convention of repre- 
sentatives was held at Indianapolis, Indiana, No- 
vember 16, 1876, and the General Grand Chapter, 
Order of the Eastern Star, was organized. 

A Ritual Committee was appointed and in 1878 
the General Grand Chapter adopted the work 
which was published by its authority. At the ses- 
sion in 1883, a Committee on Ritual was appointed, 
with instructions to receive all proper amendments 
and report the same at the next meeting. In 1886 
the Committee was continued. At the session in 
1889 the Ritual Committee presented a Ritual as 
the result of their labors, which was adopted., 

At the session of the General Grand Chapter 
held in Washington, D. C, 1898, a Committee on 
Ritual was appointed, which reported in 1901 cer- 
tain amendments, that were adopted. 

At the Assembly of the General Grand Chapter 
held in Chicago, Illinois, September, 1913, certain 
amendments to the Ritual were adopted. 

At the Assembly of the General Grand Chapter 
held in Louisville, Kentucky, November, 1916, an 
amendment to Membership, page 1, of the Ritual, 
was adopted. 

At the Assembly of the General Grand Chapter 
held in Seattle, Washington, July, 1919, an amendment 
to Furniture, etc., page 13 of the Ritual, was 
adopted. 

We, therefore, certify the following to be the 
Ritual as amended at the Assembly of the General 
Grand Chapter, July, 1919. 

MRS. ELL1E LINES CHAPIN, 

Most Worthy Grand Matron. 

ALFRED C. McDANIEL, M. D., 

Most Worthy Grand Patron. 

MRS. MINNIE EVANS KEYES, 

Right Worthy Grand Secretary. 



CONTENTS 



Preface, , v 

General Regulations, . . . . 1 

Opening, 15 

Closing, 31 

Initiation, 35 

Installation, Subordinate Chapter, 69 

Installation, Grand Chapter, 97 

Funeral Ceremonies, 117 



THE 

Order of the Eastern Star 



GENERAL REGULATIONS 



This organization shall be known as "THE 
Order of the Eastern Star." 

membership. 

Affiliated Master Masons, their wives, 
daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, 
sisters and half-sisters; also the widows, 
daughters, legally adopted daughters, moth- 
ers, sisters and half-sisters of Master Masons 
who were affiliated at the time of their death, 
are eligible to membership in this Order, pro- 
vided that all petitioners shall have attained 
to at least the age of eighteen years. 

government. 

The government of the Order is vested in three 
bodies, named respectively in the order of their 
rank, General Grand Chapter, Grand Chapter 
and Subordinate Chapter. 



2 Order of the Eastern Star. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 

The authority of the General Grand Chapter is 
supreme when exercised within the limits denned 
and prescribed by its Constitution. It has no 
jurisdiction over matters not specifically given to 
its control by that instrument. 

GRAND CHAPTER. 

The authority of a Grand Chapter is supreme 
within its jurisdiction, excepting upon matters 
which are within the control of the General 
Grand Chapter. Its jurisdiction shall not include 
more than one State or Territory. 

SUBORDINATE CHAPTER. 

The authority of a Subordinate Chapter is pre- 
scribed and limited by the Grand Chapter within 
whose jurisdiction it exists. Five Subordinate 
Chapters within any State or Territory where no 
Grand Chapter exists, may organize a Grand 
Chapter possessing all the lawful powers of 
such a Chapter within said State or Territory. 

LANDMARKS. 

1. A belief in the existence of a Supreme 
Being. 

2. In the Order of the Eastern Star there 
are only five degrees, known as Adah, the 
daughter; Ruth, the widow; Esther, the wife; 
Martha, the sister; and Electa, the mother. 



General Regulations. 3 

3. The name of the Order, the names of its 
degrees, and modes of recognition are unchange- 
able. 

4. Its lessons are Scriptural, its teachings 
moral, and its purposes beneficent. 

5. Its obligations are based upon the honor of 
those who obtain its secrets, and are framed upon 
the principle that whatever benefits are due by 
Masons to the wives, daughters, mothers, widows 
and sisters of Masons, reciprocal duties are due 
from them to the Brotherhood. 

6. That the obligation of our Order, volunta- 
rily assumed, is perpetual, from the force of which 
there is no release. 

7. The ballot for candidates for the degrees, or 
membership, must be unanimous, without debate, 
and kept inviolably secret. 

8. The degrees cannot be conferred unless a 
brother in good standing shall preside. He can 
call upon the Worthy Matron to assist in conferr- 
ing the degrees. 

9. Every member is amenable to the laws of 
the Order, and may be tried for offenses, either by 
the Chapter to which the member belongs, or by 
the Chapter within whose jurisdiction the mem- 
ber resides. 

10. The right of every member to appeal from 
the decision of a Subordinate Chapter to the 
Grand Chapter or its executive head 



4 Order of the Eastern Star. 

11. The right of every Chapter to decide, from 
among eligible candidates, who shall be admitted 
to membership. 

12. The right of every member to visit any 
regular Chapter unless lawful objection is made 
to such visitor. 



SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS. 



Every Subordinate Chapter must have a Char- 
ter or Dispensation legally issued and always 
present at its meetings, without which it cannot 
legally act. 

OFFICERS. 
The officers of a Subordinate Chapter shall be: 

Worthy Matron, Marshal, 

Worthy Patron, Organist, 

Associate Matron, Adah, 

Secretary, Ruth, 

Treasurer, Esther, 

Conductress, Martha, 

Asso. Conductress, Electa, 

Chaplain, Warder, 
Sentinel. 

The Stations of the several Officers are indi- 
cated on the Plan of Chapter Room on nage 12. 



Subordinate Chapters. 5 

The first seven officers shall be elected by sepa- 
rate and majority ballot and the others shall be 
appointed by the Worthy Matron. 

MEETINGS. 

The meetings of a Chapter are either regular or 
special. Regular meetings are those held at 
stated intervals as prescribed by its By-laws. 
Special meetings are those held by appointment 
of the Worthy Matron or other lawful authority. 

QUORUM. 

Seven members, including one of the first three 
officers, shall constitute a quorum for the trans- 
action of business, unless the By-laws of the 
Chapter shall prescribe a larger number. 

PETITIONS. 

A petition for the degrees or membership 
must be signed by the petitioner and two mem- 
bers of the Chapter, who recommend the peti- 
tioner. The petition must be received at a 
regular meeting of the Chapter, unless the 
Grand Chapter of its jurisdiction shall otherwise 
provide; and when received, must be referred to 
a committee of three members, one of whom shall 
be a brother, appointed by the presiding officer. 
The committee can only report at a regular 
meeting. 



6 Order of the Eastern Star. 

THE BALLOT. 

The ballot upon petitions for the degrees or 
membership, can only be taken at a regular meet- 
ing. The Associate Conductress shall have charge 
of the ballot-box, under the direction of the 
Worthy Matron. After it has been examined 
by the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron, 
she shall oresent it to the Worthv Matron and 
Worthy Patron for their ballot, and may carry it 
to every member present — or may place it upon 
the Altar. If placed upon the Altar, every mem- 
ber entitled to a vote shall approach the Altar 
from the West, between Ruth and Esther, make 
the sign of salutation, deposit a ballot, leaving 
between Esther and Martha. 

In approaching the Altar, each member must 
keep at least three paces from the Altar while 
the member preceding is casting a ballot. 

When all have voted, the Worthy Matron shall 
declare the ballot closed and direct the Associate 
Conductress to bear the ballot box West and East. 

After it has been examined by the Associate 
Matron, the Worthy Matron will ask: 

W. M. Sister Associate Matron. 

A. M. Worthy Matron 

W. M. How is the ballot in the West? 
The Associate Matron will say: 



Subordinate Chapters. 7 

A. M. The ballot is clear, (or not clear,) Wor- 
thy Matron. 

After the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron have inspect- 
ed the ballot, and no black balls appear, the W. M. will say: 

W. M. The ballot being clear in the East, I 
have the pleasure to inform you that you have 

elected to receive the degrees, (or become 

a member,) in this Chapter. 

If the ballot is not clear, but so nearly so that the results 
may have been from mistake, a second and final ballot may 
be ordered. If the final ballot is dark, the W. M. will say: 

W. M. The ballot not being clear, I have to 
announce that the petition of is rejected. 



MEMBERSHIP. 

Membership can only be forfeited by dimission, 
suspension or expulsion from a Chapter, except- 
ing that the suspension or expulsion of a brother 
from a Masonic Lodge, deprives him of all the 
rights of membership in this Order until reinstated 
by the Masonic body. 

BADGES, JEWELS AND REGALIA. 

The officers shall wear during Chapter ses- 
sions the badge of office belonging to their respec- 
tive offices. The badge shall consist of the appro- 
priate Jewel made of gold or gilded metal and sus- 



8 Order of the Eastern Star 

pended by a ribbon having the five colors of the 
Order. 

Collars, Robes and other regalia in addition to 
what is here prescribed may be worn by Chapters 
that desire them, the General Grand Chapter only 
prescribing the minimum. 

The Jewels appropriate to the several Officers 
are as follows: 

WORTHY MATRON, Five-pointed Star with Gavel 
in the center. 

WORTHY Patron, Five-pointed Star with Square 
and Compasses in the center. 

ASSOCIATE Matron, Five-pointed Star with Sun 
in the center. 

SECRETARY, Five-pointed Star with Cross-pens in 
the center. 

TREASURER, Five-pointed Star with Cross-keys in 
the center. 

Conductress, Fwe-pointzd Star with Scroll and 
Baton in the center. 

Associate Conductress, Five-pointed Star with 
Baton in the center. 

CHAPLAIN, Five-pointed Star with Bible in the 
center. 

MARSHAL, Five-pointed Star with Cross-batons in 
the center. 



Subordinate Chapters. 9 

ORGANIST, Five-pointed Star with Lyre in 
the center. 

ADAH, Triangle with Sword and Veil in 
the center. 

RUTH, Triangle with Sheaf in the center. 

ESTHER, Triangle with Crown and Scepter in 
the center. 

MARTHA, Triangle with Broken Column in 
the center. 

ELECTA, Triangle with Cup in the center. 

Warder, Five-pointed Star with Dove in the 
center. 

Sentinel, Five-pointed Star with Cross-swords 
in the center. 

The Jewels for Grand Chapters shall be the 
same as Subordinate Chapters within a Pentagon. 

The Jewel for Associate Grand Patron shall be 
a Five-pointed Star with a Star in the center 
within a Pentagon. 

The Jewels for the General Grand Chapter shall 
be the Grand Chapter Jewels within a circle. 

Special Regalia for Grand Chapters shall be left 
to the discretion of each Grand Chapter 

In addition to the Jewel worn by the Worthy 
Matron, she is entitled to wear a Scarf made of 
royal pur j)le ve'vet, three inches wide, edged with 



10 



Order of the Eastern Star. 



gold lace on the inner edge and gold fringe on the 
outer edge, a five-pointed Star in colors worked in 
silk, upon the shoulder and at the crossing, a 
golden rosette with two gold tassels suspended 
therefrom. It must be worn from left shoulder to 
the right side. 

MEMBERS' BADGES. 

During Chapter sessions members may wear 
upon the left breast a badge embracing a five- 
pointed Star and the five colors of the Order. 




MATRON. PATRON. ASSO. MATRO* 




SECRETARY TREASURER, CONDUCTRESS. 



Jewels of Officers. 



11 




ORGANIST. WARDER. SENTINEL. 








ESTHER. MARTHA. 



12 



Order of the Eastern Star. 
CHAPTER ROOM. 



W. M. W. P. 



CHAPLAIN. 



si 



AP^' 




ASSO. MATRON. WARDER. 



SENTINEL. 



PREPARATION ROOM. J 



Subordinate Chapters. 13 

FURNITURE, ETC. 
In the center of the Chapter, room there must 
be an Altar, standing upon the center of a Five- 
pointed Star having the five colors of the Order, 
with the white point towards the West. Upon 
the Altar shall be an open Bible. 

In the East, there should be a pedestal with a 
Gavel thereon for the use of the presiding 
officer. 

Each Chapter should have a Seal, Signet and 
one or more small Bibles, a Sword and Veil for 
Adah, Sheaf and Culms of Barley for Ruth, a 
Crown and Scepter for Esther, a Broken Column 
for Martha and a Cup for Electa. They may also 
have banners with appropriate emblems thereon. 

POSITION OF THE CHAIRS. 

The chairs for the Star Officers may either 
face the East or be partially turned toward the 
Altar. 

USE OF THE GAVEL. 

One blow of the gavel calls the Chapter to 
order, seats it when standing and completes its 
closing; two blows calls up the Officers; and three 
blows calls up the Chapter, 



When giving an alarm at the door, five raps 
shall be given, which shall be answered by five 
from the other side. These will be followed by one 



14 Order of the Eastern Star, 

from each side. Raps are given in this manner, 
** ** * *. The door will be opened by the 
Warder. 

GRAND HONORS. 

The Grand Honors are given by crossing the 
arms over the breast, the left being over the right 
and slightly bowing. 

TEST OATH. 

I in the presence of Almighty 

God and these witnesses, do most solemnly affirm 
upon my honor, that I have been regularly initi- 
ated in a legally constituted Chapter of the Order 
of the Eastern Star, that I am in good standing 
in the Order and am not under suspension or 
expulsion, and know of no reason why I should 
be excluded from the privileges of the Order. 

N. B. The "Test Oath" should be taken by the visitor, 
repeating it after the Examining Committee and with the right 
hand on the Bible. 



Opening of the Chapter. 



When ready for the opening exercises, the 
Officers, with the exception of the Worthy Patron 
and Associate Conductress, retire to the ante- 
room. The Associate Conductress assumes her 
chair and the Worthy Patron, ascending the dais, 
gives one blow with the gavel. After requesting 
all present who are not members of the Order to 
retire, he says: 

W. P. Sister Associate Conductress. 

A. C. Worthy Patron. 

Officers rise and respond, whenever addressed, 
and remain standing until seated by an order from 
the East. 

W. P. You will invite the Worthy 
Matron and other Officers to enter the 
Chapter room. 

The Associate Conductress retires and returns 
with the officers. As they enter, the Chapter is 
called up, and music furnished. The officers en- 
ter in two files led by the Conductress and Asso- 
ciate Conductress and take positions as follows* 

15 



16 Order of the Eastern Star. 



W. M. * * A. M. 

War. * , * — , * Esther. 

Ruth. * \ I * Martha. 

Adah. * - Altar. > * Electa. 
Sec'y. * * Treas. 

Cond. * , ; * Asso. Cond. 



East. 

The Chapter is at liberty to introduce into the 
procession the Marshal and Chaplain and may 
also elaborate the figures as it may desire. 

The Worthy Patron will say: 

W. P. Sister Conductress, you will 
escort the Worthy Matron to the East. 

She does so and the Worthy Matron, ascend- 
ing the dais, receives the gavel and proceeds. 
The use of the above ceremony is optional. 

W. M. The Officers will take their 
respective stations and prepare for the 
active duties of the Chapter. 

Seats the Chapter. 

W. M. Sister Warder. 

War. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. You will see that the doors to 
our Chapter are secure. 

War. The doors are secure, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. M. It is well. Sisters, Brothers 
and Visitors of Chapter, No. — , the 



Opening Ceremonies. 17 

hour has arrived for us to resume our 
labors. To open our Chapter in a manner 
becoming the solemnity of the work and 
to secure the best results, I require your 
attention and assistance. Sister Associate 
Matron. 

A. M. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. You will ascertain if all present 
are members of the Order. 

If the Associate Matron is able of her own 
knowledge to vouch for all present, she responds 
at once to the Worthy Matron. If she is unable 
to do so, she says : 

A. M. Sisters Conductress and Asso- 
ciate Conductress, ascertain and report if 
all present are members of the Order. 

The Conductress and Associate Conductress 
will use the customary means of examination, be- 
ginning at the East, on the South and North, 
meeting at the West, back of Esther. The Asso- 
ciate Conductress reports to the Conductress. 

Having done so, the Conductress says: 

Cond. Sister Associate Matron. I find 
all present members of the Order of the 
Eastern Star, 



18 Order of the Eastern Star. 

* The Associate Matron will then respond: 

A. M. Worthy Matron, all present are 
members of the Order. 

W. M. It is well. (Conductress and Asso. Con- 
ductress return to their stations.) Sister Warder. 

War. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. You will instruct the Sentinel 
that we are about to engage in the cere- 
mony of opening our Chapter and direct 
him to allow no interruption while we are 
thus engaged. 

, The Warder, in due o r der, ***** * after 
responses from the Sentinei, opens the door and 
repeats the order to the Sentinel, after which she 
closes the door and says: 

War. Worthy Matron, there will be 
no interruption. 

The Worthy Matron will call up the Officers and 
they will remain standing during the ceremony of 
opening. 

W. M. Sister Associate Matron. 

A. M. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What number of Officers con- 
stitute a Chapter and what titles do they 
bear? 

A. M. A complete Chapter requires 
seventeen and their titles are: Worthy 



Opening Ceremonies. 19 

Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, 
Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, Associ- 
ate Conductress, Chaplain, Marshal, Organ- 
ist, Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa, 
Warder and Sentinel. 

W. M. Where is the Sentinel's station? 

A . M . Outside the closed door, Worthy 
Matron. 

[W. M. What is his duty and explain 
his badge of office. 

A. M. To protect the Chapter against 
the intrusion of improper persons. His 
badge is the Cross-swords within the Star, 
an emblem of protection, admonishing 
him that upon his watchful care depends 
our security against interruption.] 

W. M. Where is the Warder's station? 

A.M. At the Southwest entrance to the 
Chapter, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Warder. 

War. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

War. To act in conjunction with the 
Sentinel and allow none to enter nor leave 
the Chapter, without permission of the pre- 
siding officer. My badge is the Dove 



20 Order of the Eastern Star. 

within the Star, an emblem of peace, 
admonishing me that I should labor for 
the peace and harmony of the Chapter.] 

W. M. Where is the Associate Con- 
ductress' station? 

War. In the North, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Associate Conductress. 

A. C. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

A. C. To receive and prepare candi- 
dates for the ceremony of initiation and 
assist the Conductress in the active duties 
of the Chapter. My badge is the Baton 
within the Star, an emblem of direction, 
admonishing me that good discipline is 
essential to the success of our Order.] 

W. M. W r here is the Conductress' 
station? 

A. C. In the South, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Conductress. 

Cond. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Cond. To assist the Associate Matron, 
conduct candidates through the ceremony 



Opening Ceremonies. 21 

of initiation and obey your instructions. 
My badge is the Scroll and Baton within 
the Star, an emblem of prepared plans and 
their fulfillment, admonishing me that it 
depends greatly upon the manner of con- 
ducting candidates through the ceremony 
of initiation, to make the first impressions 
permanent and as we desire they should 
be.] 

W. M. Where is the Treasurer's 
station? 

Cond. In the Northeast, Worthy 
Matron. 

W. M. Sister Treasurer. 

Treas. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Treas. To receive all moneys from the 
Secretary, giving my receipt therefor and 
pay them out only upon proper authority. 
My badge is the Cross-keys within the 
Star, an emblem of security, admonishing 
me to the strictest fidelity in the discharge 
of my important trust, that the Chapter 
may not be embarrassed in its efforts to 
relieve the distressed and meet its neces- 
sary expenses.] 



22 Order of the Eastern Star. 

W. M. Where is the Secretary's 
station? 

Treas. In the Southeast, Worthy- 
Matron. 

W. M. Sister Secretary. 

Secy. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Secy. To make proper record of the 
proceedings of the Chapter and conduct 
its correspondence. To receive all moneys 
belonging to the Chapter and pay them to 
the Treasurer, taking her receipt therefor. 
My badge is the Cross-pens within the 
Star, an emblem of intelligence, admon- 
ishing me to be faithful to my trust that 
the good deeds of my companions may not 
go unrecorded.] 

W. M. Where is Adah's station? 

Secy. At the first point of the Star, 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Adah. 

Adah. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Adah. To make known to all proper 
inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty 



Opening Ceremonies. 23 

of the Blue ray, which represents the sky- 
when all clouds have vanished and sym- 
bolizes Fidelity. My badge is the Sword 
and Veil within the Triangle, an emblem 
of the heroic conduct of Jephthah's Daugh- 
ter.] 

W. M. Have you a sign? 
Adah. I have; it is given by — 
While giving the sign explain from secret 
work. ( 3. ) 

W. M. Sister and Brothers, on seeing 
this sign given, how would you respond? 

Response. Members will respond with the 
Pass of Adah. 

W. M. Where is Ruth's station? 

Adah. At the second point of the Star, 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Ruth. 

Ruth. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Ruth. To make known to all proper in- 
quirers the light, knowledge and beauty of 
the Yellow ray, whose golden hue symbol- 
izes Constancy. My badge is the Sheaf 
within the Triangle, an emblem of plenty 



24 Order of the Eastern Star. 

and represents the reward of patient indus- 
try gained by the humble gleaner, Ruth.] 

W. M. Have you a sign? 

Ruth. I have; it is given by — 

While giving the sign explain from secret 
work. ( 6. ) 

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing 
this sign given how would you respond? 

Response. Members will respond with the 
Pass of Ruth. 

W. M. Where is Esther's station? 

Ruth. At the third point of the Star, 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Esther. 

Esther. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Esther. To make known to all proper 
inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty 
of the White ray, which symbolizes Light, 
Purity and Joy. My badge is the Crown 
and Scepter within the Triangle, an em- 
blem of royalty and power. In the exer- 
cise of authority, we should be governed 
by justice and unselfish loyalty to the wel- 
fare of others. It was by the practice of 



Opening Ceremon*&>. 2S 

these virtues that Esther was able to save 
her people from extermination.] 

W. M. Have you a sign? 

Esther. I have ; it is given with — 

While giving the sign explain from secret 
work. ( 9. ) 

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing 
this sign given, how would you respond? 

Response. Members will respond with the Pass 
of Esther. 

W. M. Where is Martha's station? 

Esther. At the fourth point of the Star, 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Martha. 

Martha. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Martha. To make known to all proper 
inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty 
of the Green ray, an emblem of nature's life 
and beauty, symbolizing Hope and Immor- 
tality. My badge is the Broken Column 
within the Triangle, an emblem of the 
death of a person cut off in the vigor of 
life and should remind us of the sisterlv 
grief of Martha.] 



26 Order of the Eastern Star. 

W. M. Have you a sign? 

Martha. I have ; it is given by — 

While giving the sign, explain from secret 
work. ( 12. ) 

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing 
this sign given how would you respond? 

Response. Members will respond with the 
Pass of Martha. 

W. M. Where is Electa's station? 

Martha. At the fifth point of the Star, 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Sister Electa. 

Electa. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

Electa. To make known to all proper 
inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty 
of the Red ray, a symbol of that Fervency 
which should actuate all who are engaged 
in the service of truth, as exemplified in 
the life of Electa. My badge is the Cup 
within the Triangle, an emblem of charity 
and hospitality and should remind us that 
however bitter may be the cup which our 
Heavenly Father gives us, it will in the 



Opening Ceremonies. 27 

end overflow with blessings, rich, abound- 
ing and eternal.] 

W. M. Have you a sign? 

Electa. I have; it is given by — 

While giving the sign, explain from secret 
work. ( 15. ) 

W. M. Sisters and Brother's, on seeing 
this sign given how would you respond? 

Response. Members will respond with the Pass 
of Electa. 

W. M. It is well; and when a member 
of the Order hails us with any one of these 
signs we will recall the merits of the hero- 
ine whose sign is given and respond with 
proper attention. 

W. M. Where is the Associate Matron's 
station? 

Electa. In the West, Worthy Matron. 
W. M. Sister Associate Matron. 

A. M. Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is your duty and explain 
your badge of office. 

A. M. To assist the Worthy Matron 
and preside over the Chapter during her 
absence.' My badge is the effulgent Sun 
within the Star, an emblem of light, 
admonishing me that the principles of a 



28 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Order should shine with undiminished 
lustre through our lives.] 

W. M. Where is the Worthy Patron's 
station? 

A. M. At your left, Worthy Matron. 

[W. M. What is his duty and explain 
his badge of office. 

A . M. To preside during the conferring 
of the degrees and at other times when 
requested to do so by the Worthy Matron; 
to act as her adviser, see that the officers 
are proficient in their work and exercise 
a general supervision over the affairs of 
the Chapter. His badge is the Square 
and Compasses within the Star, an emblem 
of the relationship existing between the 
Masonic Fraternity and the Order of the 
Eastern Star.] 

W. M. Where is the Worthy Matron's 
station? 

A. M. In the East, Worthy Matron. 

W. M. What is her duty and explain 
her badge of office. 

A. M. To preside at the meetings of 
the Chapter, see that its business is 
properly conducted and secure obedience 
to the laws and regulations of the Order, 



Opening Ceremonies. 29 

Her badge is the Gavel within the Star, 
an emblem of authority, admonishing her 
that the government of this Chapter and 
its prosperity, depend greatly upon her 
judgment and discretion. Her responsibili- 
ties to God for the faithful discharge of 
her duties should ever prompt her to do 
her work in the spirit of faith and prayer. 

W. M. It is in this spirit that I desire 
to open this Chapter and perform whatever 
duties may devolve upon me. That we 
may have the needed grace to do our work 
well, let us unite in prayer. 

The Chapter is called up and the following 
Prayer is offered by the Worthy Patron or Chap- 
lain at the Altar, approaching between Martha 
and Esther. 

PRAYER. 

Bless, O Lord, we beseech Thee, our humble 
labors in the promotion of truth and love, unity 
and peace. Dispel whatever spirit of discord may 
here arise. Enrich our hearts with that most 
excellent gift of charity, so that our acts may be 
full of the spirit of kindness and forbearance one 
towards another. Give us strength to continue 
in every good work and faith to believe that we 
shall reap if we faint not; and at last may we 
enjoy the blessedness which Thou hast prepared 
for those that love Thee. Amen. 

Response by all the members. 

So may it ever be. 



30 Order of the Eastern Star. 

The Worthy Patron or Chaplain steps back 
into the circle of Star officers, between Esther and 
Martha, facing East, remaining in that position 
until the Worthy Matron seats the Chapter, when 
he returns to his station. 

W. M. Let us unite in singing our 
Opening Ode. 

SINGING. 

W. M. Sister Conductress, you will 
attend at the Altar. 

Conductress approaches the Altar between 
Ruth and Esther, makes a slight bow, opens the 
Bible, gives the sign of salutation and steps back 
into the circle of Star officers between Ruth and 
Esther, remaining there until seated by the 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. I now declare Chapter, 

No. ■ — , Order of the Eastern Star, duly 
opened for the transaction of business. 
Sister Warder, you will so instruct the 
Sentinel. 

The Warder in due order ***** * opens the 
door, informs the Sentinel and after closing the 
door, says: 

War. Worthy Matron, your order has 
been obeyed. 

The W. M. seats the Chapter. 



Closing of the Chapter 



W. M. Sister Associate Matron. 

A . M. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. Do you know of any further 
business to come before the Chapter at 
this time? 

A. M. Worthy Matron, there is none 
within my knowledge. 

W. M. Sister Warder. 

War. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. You will inform the Sentinel 
that we are about to close the Chapter 
and direct him to permit no interruption 
while we are thus engaged. 

The Warder in due order ***** * opens the 
door and informs the Sentinel. 

31 



32 Order of the Eastern Star. 

War. Worthy Matron, your order has 
been obeyed. 

W. M. It is well; let us unite in sing- 
ing our Closing Ode. 

Calls up the Chapter. 



The prayer will be offered at the Altar as in 
opening. 

W. M. Let us unite in prayer. 

PRAYER. 

Holy and merciful God, who answereth prayer 
and doth not scorn the petition of the humblest 
of Thy children, bestow upon us in our parting 
that spirit of affection which can resist the sel- 
fishness of the world; and cause us to remember 
our obligations to each other and to Thee. Grant 
that we may all be permitted with loving hearts 
to assemble here again, for our instruction, for 
Thine honor and for the good of our fellow men. 
All of which we ask for Thy name's sake. AMEN. 

Response by all the members. 
So may it ever be. 

The Worthy Patron or Chaplain steps back 
into the circle of Star officers between Esther and 
Martha, facing East, remaining in that position 
until the Worthy Matron closes the Chapter. 

W. M. Sister Conductress, you will 
attend at the Altar 



Closing Ceremonies. 33 

Conductress approaches the Altar as before, 
with the Sign of Salutation, closes the Bible, 
makes a slight bow, steps back into the circle of 
Star officers between Ruth and Esther, remaining 
until Chapter is closed. 

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, we go 
forth into the world not knowing what 
trials may await us in the journey of life. 
Let us not be dismayed for our Heavenly 
Father has promised to strengthen and 
uphold us by the right hand of his power. 
Farewell. 

Response by all the members. 

Farewell. 

W. M. I now declare — ■ — Chapter, 

No. ■ — , closed. Sister Warder, you will 
so instruct the Sentinel. 

The Worthy Matron gives one blow with the 
gavel. The Warder informs the Sentinel that thj 
Chapter is closed. 

NOTE — The portions bracketed may be omitted 
when desired, provided they shall not be habitu- 
ally disused. 



Initiation Ceremonies. 



The Initiation Ceremony is the same for 
gentlemen as for ladies and both may re- 
ceive the degrees at the same time. The 
Officers should carefully change the words, 
adapting them to the initiation of a Lady 
or Gentleman, or Ladies and Gentle- 
men, as circumstances require. The time 
having arrived for initiation and it being 
probable that candidates are in waiting, if 
robes are used, the officers retire and pre- 
pare for the ceremony of initiation. 

W. M. Sister Associate Conductress. 

A. C. Worthy Matron. 

W. M. You will retire and ascertain if 

there are candidates in waiting to receive 

the degrees. 

The Associate Conductress advances to the West 
of Esther's chair, gives the Sign of Salutation 
and (the Warder having given the usual raps and 
opened the door) retires. Ascertaining the name of 
the candidate, she returns and standing West of 
Esther's chair, gives the sign of Salutation and 
says: 

A. C. Worthy Matron, I find in wait- 
ing , who is desirous of being 

initiated into our Order. 

W. M. Worthy Patron, the Associate Con- 
ductress reports a candidate in waiting to 

35 



36 Order of the Eastern Star. 

receive the degrees ; I , therefore, invite you to 
preside during the ceremonies of initiation. 

The Worthy Patron, taking the gavel says: 

W. P. Sister Secretary. 

Sec'y. Worthy Patron. 

W. P. Has this candidate been elected 
to receive the degrees of the Order? 

Sec'y. She has, Worthy Patron. 

W. P. Sister Associate Conductress, 
you will retire and prepare the candidate 
for the ceremonies of initiation. 

She gives the sign and retires as before. Tak- 
ing the candidate into the preparation room, she 
says: 

A. C. Do you believe in the existence 
of a Supreme Being? Ans. I do. 

My friend, human life is a labyrinth 
through which we all wander blindly and 
too often, in ignorance. It is good to con- 
sider the experience of others and profit 
by their knowledge and example. Having 
received the degrees of our Order and, 
therefore, being able to assist you, permit 
me to direct your preparation for the cere- 
monies of initiation. 

She then removes the candidate's hat, gloves 
and shawl or cloak, prepares and Jeads her to the 



Initiation Ceremonies. 37 

door of the Chapter-room. The Associate Con- 
ductress gives five raps upon the door, ** ** * 

Cond. Worthy Patron, there is an 
alarm at the door of the preparation room. 

W. P. Sister Conductress, you will as- 
certain the cause of the alarm. 

The Conductress goes to the door, answers the 
alarm, ***** * and opening the door, says: 

Cond. Who knocks at the door of our 
Chapter? 

A. C. The Associate Conductress with 
a candidate, who desires to be initiated 
into our Order. 

Cond. Is she properly prepared? 

A.C. She is. 

Cond. My friend, you will wait until 
further orders are received from the 
Worthy Patron. 

The Conductress closes the door and advanc- 
ing to a position in front of the Associate Matron, 
facing the East, says: 

Cond. Worthy Patron, the alarm was 
caused by the Associate Conductress with 
a candidate, who desires to receive the 
degrees of our Order. 



38 Order of the Eastern Star. 

W. P. Is the candidate properly pre- 
pared ? 

Cond. She is. 

W. P. You will admit her. 

The Conductress, returning to the door, opens it 
wide and says: 

Cond. It is the order of the Worthy 
Patron that you be admitted to our Chap- 
ter. 

Before the door is opened to receive the candi- 
date the lights may be turned down and soft music 
played during this lecture by the Conductress. 
The candidate is led inside the door and stopped. 
The Conductress then says to her: 

Cond. You have doubtless well consid- 
ered the step you have taken in seeking 
admission to this Order, dedicated to 
Charity, Truth and Loving-kindness. 
You came here of your own free choice. 
Complain not, therefore, at any trial. A 
seal is here set upon your lips. Let it 
warn you to be ever silent and secret as 
to all that may be made known to you 
here. Be not weary in well-doing. Woe 
unto those who seek to take upon them- 
selves burdens which they cannot bear. 



Initiation Ceremonies. 39 

Woe unto the faithless and insincere, who 
assume obligations lightly and forthwith 
forget them. "Trust in the Lord with all 
thine heart and lean not unto thine own 
understanding. In all thy ways acknowl- 
edge Him and He will direct thy paths." 

Conductress offers her right arm to the candi- 
date. If there are two, the Associate Conductress 
offers her left arm to the candidate and in like man- 
ner follows with the second. The Associate Con- 
ductress assists only when necessary to form 
couples. The candidate is conducted once around 
the room to the Associate Matron. Officers and 
members always observe square corners. 

During the march, vocal or instrumental music 
is furnished, or the Worthy Patron may recite 
the following: 

W. P. "Though I speak with the tongues of 
men and of angels and have not charity, I am 
become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal." 

"Charity suffereth long and is kind: charity 
envieth not." 

"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the 
truth." 

"And now abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, 
but the greatest of these is Charity." 

Having arrived at the West, the candidate is 
introduced to the Associate Matron. 

Cond. Sister Associate Matron. 

A. M. Sister Conductress. 



40 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Cond. I have the honor of introducing 

who is to be presented 

by you to the Worthy Matron. 

A. M. My friend, you are heartily wel- 
come. Sister Conductress, you will cause 
the candidate to face East. 

Conductress and candidate face the East. 

A. M. Worthy Matron, I have the 

honor to present whose 

petition has been approved by this Chap- 
ter and who is now ready to assume our 
Obligation. 

The Worthy Matron rises and addresses the 
candidate. 

W. M. It is with pleasure that I wel- 
come you into this Chapter. Your relation 
to the Masonic fraternity and the recom- 
mendations presented in your behalf, 
assure us that you merit the honor we 
confer and are worthy of the important 
trust with which we are about to invest 
you. The Order of the Eastern Star exists 
for the purpose of giving practical effect 
to one of the beneficent purposes of Free- 
masonry, which is to provide for the wel- 



Initiation Ceremonies. 41 

fare of the wives, daughters, mothers, 
widows and sisters of Master Masons. 
# Here they may share with the Masonic 
brother in promulgating the principles 
of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. 

Here we may aid, comfort and protect 
each other in our journey through the 
labyrinth of human life, and by cheerful 
companionship and social enjoyments, 
lighten the burdens of active duty. 

By means of secret signs and other 
work of the Order, we are able to make 
ourselves known to each other wherever 
we may meet. 

We are governed by the laws and regula- 
tions of the Grand Chapter and by a code 
of By-Laws framed by ourselves. These 
we are bound to obey so long as we remain 
members of the Order, and in this 
obedience we shall expect you to share. 

Addressing the Worthy Patron, the Worthy 
Matron says: 

Worthy Patron, it is with pleasure that 
I introduce to you this candidate, who is 
prepared to assume the Obligation of the 
Order. 



42 Order of the Eastern Star. 

W. P. The obligation you are about to 
take is a solemn pledge which you must 
give to this Chapter, before you can par- 
ticipate in the privileges of our Order. 
By it you bind yourself to the most 
solemn secrecy respecting the work of 
the Order and to the performance of those 
acts of kindness and forbearance, which 
are essential to our welfare and pros- 
perity. 

With this knowledge of its requirements, 
are you willing to proceed? 

Cand. I am. 

W. P. Sister Conductress, you will 
cause the candidate to be in proper posi- 
tion at the Altar to receive the Obliga- 
tion. ( 1 ) 

During the march there should be vocal or 
instrumental music. 

Cond. Worthy Patron, the candidate 
is in proper position. • 

The Chapter is called up and the Worthy 
Patron takes his position on the east side of 
the Altar and causes the candidate to repeat 
after him the following: [Soft music may be 
played during obligation.] 



Initiation Ceremonies. 43 

OBLIGATION. 
*** (2. ) *** 

W. P. Arise, my sister, we accept the 

pledge you have given and share with you 

in this solemn Obligation. 

The Conductress takes the Bible from the 
candidate. When the Worthy Patron says : "Arise, 
my sister," he extends his right hand and assists 
the candidate in rising, the lights are suddenly 
turned up at the same time. 

W. P. You will now be received into 
our Order and conducted to the several 
points of the Star, where you will receive 
instruction in those sublime virtues ex- 
emplified in the lives of Adah, Ruth, 
Esther, Martha and Electa. 

The Worthy Patron returns to the East and 
seats the Chapter. 

The Conductress and candidate will leave tne 
Altar on the right, passing out between Electa 
and Adah, leaving Adah on the right, all around 
the outside of the Star to Adah for instruction. 

During the march there should be vocal or in- 
strumental music, or the Worthy Patron may 
recite the following: 

W. P. "Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom 
and the man that getteth understanding." 

She is more precious than rubies and all the 
things thou can^t -lesire are not to be compared 
unto her." 



44 Order of the Eastern Star. 

"Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all 
her paths are peace." 

Con d. Sister Adah. 

Adah rises and takes her position at the right 
of her chair; after each lecture the Star Officer 
will remain in her position, standing until the 
Conductress and candidate have passed her, then 
be seated. 

Adah. Sister Conductress. 

Cond. I present this Sister who, hav- 
ing assumed our Obligation, will receive 
from you such lessons respecting fidelity 
to convictions of right and duty as may 
properly be drawn from the history of 
Jephthah's Daughter. 

Adah. Jephthah was the ninth judge 
and one of the mightiest men in Israel. 
Being called upon, in the extremity of his 
country's trials to go at the head of its 
armies, he prepared his household for a 
campaign that would perhaps cost him his 
life; and then "Jephthah vowed a vow 
unto the Lord and said: 'If Thou shalt de- 
liver the children of Ammon into mine 
hands, then it shall be that whatsoever 
cometh forth of the doors of my house to 
meet me when I return in peace shall 
surely be the Lord's and I will offer it up 
for a burnt offering.' " Jephthah went 



Initiation Ceremonies. 45 

forth to battle, the victory was gained 
and the victorious warrior returned to 
Mizpeh. The door of his house opened 
and, "behold! his daughter came out to 
meet him with timbrels and with dances" 
and she was his only child. Jephthah, 
when he saw her, rent his clothes and in 
the anguish of his heart, cried aloud: 
"Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me 
very low, for I have opened my mouth un- 
to the Lord and I cannot go back." Adah 
replied: "My father, if thou hast opened 
thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me accord- 
ing to that which has proceeded out of thy 
mouth." She asked that she might go 
among the mountains for two months and 
there prepare her mind for the solemn sur- 
render of her life to preserve her father's 
honor. 

When the two months had expired she 
was seen, followed by her friends, winding 
her way down the mountain's side to the 
altar where her father, with an almost 
broken heart, was prepared to fulfil his 
vow. 

She approached her father with a kiss 
of affection and bade him farewell. Tak- 
ing hold of the veil she wore, he threw it 
over her face and drew his sword. But 
she unveiled herself and said she need 
not have her fak* Covered for the was not 



46 Order of the Eastern Star. 

afraid to die. Her father replied that he 
could not strike the blow while she looked 
upon him and again cast it over her. She 
threw it off the second time and said she 
would look upward, that his arm might 
not be unnerved by her gaze. A third 
time, however, he insisted and a third 
time she as resolutely cast it off, this 
time holding the ends of it firmly in her 
hands and casting her eyes upward, in- 
vited the fatal blow. And a deed was 
consummated which has rendered the 
name of Jephthah's Daughter famous in 
the annals of Scripture. 

The sign of this degree is given by — 
Repeat from secret work. ( 3. ) 

The pass. ( 4. ) 

The color appropriate to this degree is 
blue, which symbolizes Fidelity and 
teaches us to be faithful to all moral 
obligations. 

The emblems are the Sword and Veil. 
By the sword Adah was slain. The veil 
alludes to her determination to die in the 
light, suffering no stain to rest upon her 
memory. 



Initiation Ceremonies. 4) 

Sister Conductress, you will present this 
sister at the second point of the Star for 
further instruction. 

The Conductress will lead the candidate around 
Adah's chair, leaving the chair to the right, then 
across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, 
around Martha's chair, passing to Ruth for in- 
struction. After each lecture, the labyrinth is fol- 
lowed in a similar manner, always leaving the 
chairs to the right and the Altar to the left. From 
Ruth around Electa to Esther; from Esther around 
Adah to Martha; from Martha around Ruth to 
Electa; from Electa around Esther to the Worthy 
Patron. 

During the march there sV^uld be vocal or 
instrumental music or the Worthy Patron may 
recite the following: 

W. P. "And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto 
his house and behold, his daughter came out to 
meet him with timbrels and with dances; and 
she was his only child; beside her he had neither 
son nor daughter." 

"And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he 
rent his clothes and said, Alas, my daughter! thou 
hast brought me very low, and thou art one of 
them that trouble me; for I have opened my 
mouth unto the Lord and I cannot go back." 

Con d. Sister Ruth. 

Ruth rises and takes her position at the right 
of her chair. 

Ruth. Sister Conductress. 

Cond. I present this sister to be in- 
structed in the duty of obedience to the 
demands of honor and justice in all condi 



48 Order of the Eastern Star. 

tions of life, as illustrated in the history 
of Ruth. 

Ruth. About eleven hundred years be- 
fore the Christian era, Elimeleck and his 
wife Naomi, with their two sons, were 
driven by famine from Bethlehem to the 
land of Moab. The sons married women 
of Moab, named Ruth and Orphah. After 
a few years, Elimeleck and his sons died, 
leaving Naomi, Ruth and Orphah in 
mourning. Naomi, aged and dependent, 
resolved to return to the land of her 
nativity. She urged Ruth and Orphah to 
remain with their kindred and friends 
rather than follow her in poverty to a land 
of strangers. But Ruth believed it to be 
her duty to remain with Naomi and assist 
in her maintenance, saying: "Entreat me 
not to leave thee, nor to return from follow- 
ing after thee; for whither thou goest, I 
will go and where thou lodgest I will 
lodge; thy people shall be my people and 
thy God my God." 

They arrived in Bethlehem, destitute, 
weary and worn and Ruth was compelled 
to seek through menial labor the means of 
support for herself and the aged Naomi. 
Faithful to the duties which adverse fortune 
had thrown upon her, she became a gleaner 
in the fields of Boaz, who said to his ser- 
vant that *^as set over his reapers : "Whose 



Initiation Ceremonies. 49 

damsel is this?" Upon being informed of 
her history, her devotion to Naomi and 
present circumstances, advanced to where 
she was resting and addressed to her 
kindly words of encouragement. Ruth 
raised her hands to show him how small 
were her gleanings and that she had not 
taken from the sheaves; placed them 
meekly upon her breast as proof of her 
willingness to submit to whatever lot she 
might be called upon to endure, casting her 
eyes upward, as appealing to God. 

He ordered his reapers to drop handfuls 
of barley that she might gather a supply 
and invited her to eat and drink of the 
provisions he had supplied. Ruth was en- 
couraged and at evening returned laden 
with the fruits of her toil, to gladden the 
heart of Naomi. My sister, be faithful to 
the duties of your station, ever teaching 
that honor and justice which Ruth por- 
trayed in the touching and beautiful inci- 
dents of her life. 

The sign of this degree is given by — 
Repeat from secret work. ( 6. ) 

The pass. ( 7. ) 

The color appropriate to this degree is 
yellow, whose golden hue symbolizes Con- 
stancy, teaching faithful obedience to the 
demands of honor and j ustice 



50 Order of the Eastern Star. 

The Sheaf is an emblem of plenty and 
from its collection of minute parts, teaches 
that by patient industry, gathering here a 
little and there a little, we may provide 
for the infirmities of age. 

Sister Conductress, you will present this 
sister at the third point of the Star for 
further instruction. 

The candidate is conducted around Ruth's 
chair, leaving the chair to the right, then across 
the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around 
Electa's chair to Esther for instruction. 

During the march there should be vocal or 
instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may 
recite the following: 

"And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and 
said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you and 
they answered him, The Lord bless thee." 

"Then said Boaz unto his servant, that was set 
over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?" 

"And the servant, that was set over the reapers, 
answered and said: It is the damsel that came 
back with Naomi out of the country of Moab." 

Cond. Sister Esther. 

Esther rises and takes her position at the i'ight 
of her chair. 

Esther. Sister Conductress. 

Cond. I present this sister to be in- 
structed in the commendable virtue of 
fidelity to kindred and friends as exempli- 
fied in the history of Esther. 



Initiation Ceremonies. 51 

Esther. Esther was a Jewish damsel 
living about five hundred years before the 
Christian era. The Jews were then held 
in captivity within the Persian empire. 
After the divorce of Queen Vashti, the 
king caused search to be made through- 
out the empire for the most beautiful wo- 
man, to be her successor. The choice fell 
upon Esther, who, amid national rejoicing 
and royal magnificence, became the queen 
of Persia. 

The knowledge of her descent from the 
captive race was carefully concealed from 
the king and his court. In due time the 
enemies of the Jews, being powerful and 
numerous, persuaded the king to issue a 
royal edict commanding that upon a given 
day the entire Hebrew race should be de- 
stroyed. 

Queen Esther, when informed of the 
cruel edict, resolved to risk the loss of 
royal favor and life itself, to save her peo- 
ple from death. 

It was a law of the palace that no one, 
not even the queen, should enter the king's 
presence unsummoned, under penalty of 
death, unless the king should extend the 
golden scepter as a signal of pardon. 

' Esther, attired in her queenly apparel, 
with heroic purpose, sought the presence 
of the king. It was the day of the grand 



52 Order of the Eastern Star. 

council of governors, princes and officers 
of Persia. The royal guards held all 
avenues of approach to the council cham- 
ber. The king sat upon his throne of gold 
and ivory, surrounded by the highest 
officials of his empire. The queen ap- 
proached. The guards and palace officials 
were stricken with terror at the unbidden 
advance of the queen. The king's counte- 
nance flushed with anger when he beheld 
her intrusion. Queen Esther, fixing her 
eyes, now eloquent with her soul's heroic 
purpose upon the king, firmly advanced 
to the foot of the throne, at once re- 
minding him of his former pledges by 
touching her crown and robe in which he 
had desired her to appear when claiming 
his promise. She secured pardon by laying 
her hand upon the golden scepter which 
he extended to her, saying, "What wilt 
thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy re- 
quest? it shall be even given thee to the 
half of my kingdom." Esther's perilous 
adventure was successful. 

The king relented from his cruel pur- 
pose and spared the chosen people. 

The sign of this degree is given with — 
Repeat from secret work. ( 9. ) 

The pass. ( 10= ) 



Initiation Ceremonies. 53 

The ~olor appropriate to this degree is 
white; a symbol of Light, Purity and Joy 
and should teach us that a pure and up- 
right life is above the tongue of reproach. 

The crown and scepter united is an em- 
blem of royalty and power. 

Sister Conductress, you will present this 
sister at the fourth point of the Star for 
further instruction. 

The candidate is conducted around Esther's 
chair, leaving the chair to the right, across the Star, 
leaving the Altar to the left, around Adah's chair 
to Martha for instruction. 

During the march there should be vocal or 
instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may 
recite the following: 

W. P. "And it was so, when the king saw 
Esther the queen standing in the court, that she 
obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out 
to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. 
So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the 
scepter." 

"Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, 
Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall 
be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." 

Cond. Sister Martha. 

Martha rises and takes her position at the left 
of her chair. 

Martha. Sister Conductress. 

Cond. I present this sister to be in- 
structed in the sublime virtue of a trust- 



54 Order of the Eastern Star. 

ful faith, in the hour of trial and hope of 
immortal life, as illustrated in the history 
of Martha. 

Martha. The history of Martha is that 
of a young woman oppressed with grief at 
the loss of an only brother. 

The family, consisting of Martha and 
Mary and their brother Lazarus, were resi- 
dents of Bethany. They were known 
among the people of the country as fol- 
lowers of Christ. During the absence of 
Tesus, Lazarus was taken ill and in a short 
time died. At the close of the fourth day, 
intelligence reached them that Jesus 
was returning to Bethany. Martha has- 
tened to meet Him, raising her hands im- 
ploringly towards His face, looking upward 
with suppressed emotion, cried aloud: 
"Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother 
had not died. But I know that even now, 
whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will 
give it Thee." 

"Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall 
rise again." 

"Martha saith unto him, I know that he 
shall rise again in the resurrection at the 
last day." 

"Jesus saith unto her, I am the Resurrec- 
tion and the Life, he that believeth in me 
though he were dead, yet shall he live, and 



Initiation Ceremonies. 55 

whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall 
never die. Believest thou this?" Here is 
the record of her unfaltering trust; here 
the record of her hope, inspired by the 
teachings of Jesus, that beyond the grave, 
the loved ones gone before are waiting to 
welcome us to our eternal home. 

In the measureless realm of time, how 
brief is our earthly life ; yet how moment- 
ous and eternal its issues! Life's exper- 
iences, coming thick and fast, are the 
soul's appointed means of growth. To-day, 
we build our castles, to-morrow, fickle for- 
tune snatches from hope the promised joy. 
To-day, prosperity or the presence of 
loved ones fills our cup with joy; to-mor- 
row, adversity or sore bereavement casts 
us into the valley of sorrow. 

My sister, may you have the trustful faith 
of Martha; it will lighten the burden of 
sorrow and incline you to the voice of 
duty. 

The sign of this degree is given by — 
Repeat from secret work. ( 12. ) 

The pass. ( 13. ) 

The color appropriate to this degree is 
green; an emblem of nature's life and 
beauty and a symbol of Martha's trustful 
faith and Hope of Immortality. 



56 Order of the Eastern Star. 

The Broken Column is an expressive 
emblem of the uncertainty of human life. 

Sister Conductress, you will present this 
sister at the fifth point of the Star for 
further instruction. 

The candidate is conducted around Martha's 
chair, leaving the chair to the right, then across 
the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around 
Ruth's chair to Electa for instruction. 

During the march, there should be vocal or 
instrumental music or the Worthy Patron may 
recite the following: 

W. P. "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if 
thou hadst been here my brother had not died." 

"But I know that even now, whatsoever thou 
wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee." 

"Jesus saith unto her, thy brother shall rise 
again." 

"Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall 
rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 

"Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection 
and the life, he that belicveth in me, though he 
were dead, yet shall he live." 

"And whosoever liveth, and believeth in me 
shall never die." 

Cond. Sister Electa. 

Electa rises and takes her position at the left 
of her chair. 

Electa. Sister Conductress. 
Con d. I present this sister to be in- 
structed in the commendable virtue of 



Initiation Ceremonies. 57 

heroic endurance of the wrongs of perse- 
cution, when demanded in defense of 
Truth, as illustrated in the lesson of 
Electa. 

Electa. The second epistle of John is 
addressed to "the elect lady and her chil- 
dren." Tradition delineates her as a lady 
who lived in the days of St. John the 
Evangelist. Her charity, benevolence and 
generous hospitality to the poor entitled her 
to great distinction. 

Having been reared a Pagan and after- 
wards becoming a convert to the Christian 
religion, she was subjected to severe trials 
and the most bitter persecution. An edict 
was issued by the Roman emperor that all 
followers of the Christ should renounce 
their faith under penalty of death. She was 
visited by a band of soldiers, one of whom 
handed her the cross, with a command 
to trample it under foot. Electa, looking 
him steadily in the face, received the 
cross — precious emblem of her Saviour's 
death ■ — pressed it with ardor to her 
bosom and cast her eyes upward as a testi- 
mony of her love and loyalty to her 
Christian faith. As Electa I represent 
this historical heroine and commend to 
you the sublime virtue she exemplified 
through her life, "that ue love one 



58 Order of the Eastern Star. 

another." You may not be called upon to 
suffer in the same degree from the hand of 
persecution — but there is always need of 
loyalty to Truth, and alas there is too 
often persecution. 

My sister, be loyal to your convictions 
of truth and murmur not at another's 
loyalty. Let truth be spoken and let it 
shine through your life. If persecution 
comes, bear it with heroic endurance and 
despair not of the final triumph of Truth. 

The sign of this degree is given by — 

Repeat from secret work. ( 15. ) 

The pass. ( 16. ) 

The color appropriate to this degree is 
red; a symbol of that fervency which 
should actuate all who are engaged in the 
service of Truth. 

The cup is an emblem of charity and 
hospitality and teaches us to extend gen- 
erous aid to the victims of poverty and 
distress. 

Sister Conductress, you will present this 
sister to the Worthy Patron for further 
instruction. 

The candidate is conducted around Electa's 
chair, leavintr the chair to the right, then across 



Initiation Ceremonies. 59 

the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around 
Esther's chair, leaving the labyrinth between 
Adah and Electa, then to the right once around 
the Altar, outside the Star to the Worthy Patron. 

During the march there should be vocal or in- 
strumental music or the Worthy Patron may 
recite the following: 

W. P. "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, 
from God the Father." 

"And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I 
wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that 
which we had from the beginning, that we love 
one another." 

"And this is love, that we walk after His com- 
mandments." 

"By this we know that we walk in the truth. 
Behold what manner of love the Father hath 
bestowed upon us." 

"That we should be called the children of God. 
That our joy may be full." 

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of 
God, and every one that loveth and knoweth God, 
is born of God." 

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but 
that he first loved us. If God so loved us, we ought 
also to love one another." 

Con d. Worthy Patron, I present to 
you this sister, who has passed through 
the labyrinth of our Star and been in- 
structed in those sublime virtues exempli- 
fied by the heroines of our Order. 

W. P. We hail with pleasure your 
coming among us. The work of our Order 



60 Order of the Eastern Star, 

is worthy of our earnest labor; and we 
shall rejoice to find you excelling in zeal 
our most devoted members. You will 
now give attention to the address of the 
Worthy Matron. 

W. M. My sister, the Eastern Star is 
closely related to the Masonic fraternity; 
and although related to it by the dearest 
ties, yet it is no part of that ancient insti- 
tution. 

Here the wives, daughters, mothers, 
widows and sisters of Masons, may be- 
come co-laborers with the great Brother- 
hood in the service of humanity. 

By the laws of that ancient Order, 
women are not eligible to its degrees. But 
woman's heart beats responsive to the 
same inspiration that prompts man to 
noble deeds. 

She hears the cry of the orphan, the 
call of want and the piteous wail of sor- 
row. She honors the Brotherhood for its 
noble work and seeks, through the Eastern 
Star, to be a co-worker with the Masonic 
brother, to pay the tribute of her love 
and labor at the same shrine and be able 



Initiation Ceremonies. 61 

to make herself known throughout the do- 
main of Masonry, as being entitled to its 
protection. 

Into this field of labor you have now- 
entered. You have taken the solemn Obli- 
gation of the Order and been instructed 
in those sublime virtues which should 
adorn our lives and make this institution 
worthy of the protection and support of 
all good Masons. 

We extend to you a fraternal love and 
shall rejoice to learn that your devotion to 
the great moral and social purposes of our 
Order is earnest and persistent. 

That the blessing of our Heavenly 
Father may rest upon our labor, let us 
unite in prayer. 

The Chapter is called up and a circle is formed 
around the Altar in the following manner by the 
officers joining hands: Secretary, between Adah 
and Ruth — Associate Matron, between Ruth and 
Esther — Associate Conductress, between Esther 
and Martha — Treasurer, between Martha and 
Electa — the Worthy Matron, at the left of Electa. 
If desired the members may join in forming an 
outer circle. 

The Worthy Patron or Chaplain will take 
position at the west side of the Altar. The Con- 



62 Order of the Eastern Star. 

ductress, with the candidate at her right, will 
advance to the open space at the left of the Worthy 
Matron; and when the words "golden chain thus 
lengthened" in the prayer are being pronounced, 
the Worthy Matron will extend her left hand and 
take the right hand of candidate and the Con- 
ductress will join the circle at her left, thus mak- 
ing it complete. At the words "each link shall 
fall away in death," the hands will be unclasped. 
If a Chaplain officiates, the Worthy Patron will 
remain in his station. 

PRAYER. 

Source of all wisdom, truth and love, grant, we 
beseech Thee, that in the reception of this 
person into our Order we may add strength to 
strength and grace to grace. Oh, may the golden 
chain thus lengthened become the brighter 
for this link and be strengthened for the great 
work we strive to do. Enlarge our powers to 
benefit mankind and to honor Thee, our God. 

And when, one by one, each link shall fall away 
in death, may the parting be temporary and the 
meeting eternal. In the world where death comes 
not, may we realize the full happiness of loving 
and serving Thee forever. Am EN. 

Response by the Chapter. 

So may it ever be. 

At the conclusion of the prayer an Ode may be 
sunp while the members are standing around the 
Altar. After singing, the Worthy Patron seats the 
Chapter. The Conductress leads the candidate to 
the East and the Worthy Matron may, at the 
request of the Worthy Patron conclude the initia- 
tion ceremonies. 



Initiation Ceremonies. 63 

W. P. In taking upon yourself the 
solemn Obligation of our Order, you enter 
upon a new phase of life; henceforth, you 
will be numbered among the members of 
this Order who have for their inspiration 
the Star of Bethlehem which will guide 
all the faithful to the New Jerusalem, that 
city not made with hands. I must remind 
you that with privileges come respon- 
sibilities. You have been informed that we 
are in possession of certain secrets by 
means of which we are able to make our- 
selves known to each other wherever we 
may meet. You have been conducted to 
the several points of the Star and been 
instructed in the secret work of the Order 
which, if properly understood, will enable 
you to make yourself known as a member. 
That the signs and passes may be more 
firmly impressed upon your mind, with the 
assistance of our Conductress, I will 
repeat them with explanations. 

The Conductress will give the signs as the 
Worthy Patron explains them. 

The first is the Daughter's sign, or the 
sign of Adah. It is given by ( 3. ) It 



64 Order of the Eastern Star. 

alludes to the heroic conduct of Jephthah's 
Daughter. 

The Pass is ( 4. ) ( 5. ) 

The second is the Widow's sign, or the 
sign of Ruth. It is given by ( 6. ) It al- 
ludes to the humble gleaner Ruth with 
her handfuls of barley gathered from the 
fields of Boaz. 

The Pass is ( 7. ) ( 8. ) 

The third is the Wife's sign, or the sign 
of Esther. It is given ( 9. ) It alludes to 
the manner in which Queen Esther saluted 
the king, reminding him of his promise, 
by giving a sign which was understood be- 
tween them. 

The Pass is (10.) (11.) 

The fourth is the Sister's sign, or the 
sign of Martha. It is given by ( 12. ) It 
alludes to Martha's meeting with Jesus. 

The Pass is (13.) ( 14. ) 

The fifth is the Mother's sign, or the 
sign of Electa. It is given by ( 15. ) It al- 
ludes to heroic submission, under the 
wrongs of persecution. 

The Pass is (16.) being the impressive 
lesson taught by Electa. 



Initiation Ceremonies. 65 ' 

Any member of the Order is at liberty 
to give any one of these signs, when among 
strangers and desirous of becoming known 
to a sister or brother. Any member see- 
ing one of these signs given should re- 
spond by giving the Pass belonging to the 
sign given and asking, ( 17. ) 

This is all the examination that is re- 
quired under such circumstances. It can 
be followed by such questions as may be 
necessary. In passing an examination to 
visit a Chapter, in addition to this, you 
will be required to take the Test Oath and 
give the sign and pass of each degree, 

There is one other sign, called the salu- 
tation sign, which is given by members on 
entering or retiring from a Chapter while 
in session. They shall advance in front of 
the Associate Matron and ( 19. ) 

The Grip of the Order is given by ( 20. ) 

The Conductress will communicate the Grip to 
the candidate. 

The Signet is prepared to assist the 
memory of those who have received the 
degrees. 

On the outer edge of the central divi- 
sion will be found the ( 21. ) 



66 Order of the Eastern Star 

I will explain the significance of the 
colors, the emblematic flowers and the 
meaning of the several emblems alluding 
to the distinguished characters portrayed 
in the degrees. 

Blue symbolizes Fidelity. It is rep- 
resented by the Violet. 

The open Bible is appropriate to Jeph- 
thah's Daughter, as a symbol of Obedience 
to the word of God. 

Yellow symbolizes Constancy. It is rep- 
resented by the yellow Jessamine. 

The Lily of the Valley is appropriate to 
Ruth, as a symbol of Loveliness among the 
Lowly. 

White symbolizes Light, Purity and 
Joy. It is represented by the white Lily. 

The Sun is appropriate to Esther, as a 
symbol of the Light and Joy she gave to an 
oppressed and captive race. 

Green symbolizes Hope and Immor- 
tality. It is represented by the Fern. 

The Lamb is appropriate to Martha, as 
a symbol of Innocence and Humility. 

Red symbolizes Fervency. It is rep- 
resented by the red Rose, 



Initiation Ceremonies. 67 

The Lion is appropriate to Electa, as a 
symbol of the Courage and Power that sus- 
tained the martyr defenders of Truth. 

And finally my sister, Jephthah's 
Daughter, who freely sacrificed her life to 
preserve her father's honor; Ruth, who, 
though poor and lowly, was faithful to the 
demands of honor and justice; Esther, 
noble queen, who was prepared to sacrifice 
her crown and life to save her people from 
destruction; Martha, who exhibited her 
trustful faith and hope of immortal life; 
and Electa, who was pre-eminent in charity 
and heroic in endurance under the wrongs 
of persecution — were ( 18. ) 

So may it be with you. As you illus- 
trate in your life the virtues of these tried 
servants of God, so shall be your reward. 

You will now be conducted to the Secre- 
tary's desk where you will sign the By- 
Laws of this Chapter and become entitled 
to all the privileges of membership; after 
which you will be re-conducted to your 
present position. 

While the candidate is signing the By-Laws, 
there may be vocal or instrumental music. After 
signing the By-Laws, the candidate is conducted 



68 Order of the Eastern Star. 

to the preparation room, disrobes, if robes are 
used, a badge of the Order put on and conducted 
to the East, facing West. When the door 
opens for the Conductress and candidate to return, 
the Chapter is called up, and all join in singing 
a welcome song, after which the Worthy Patron 
says : 

W. P. Sisters and Brothers, our sister 
has passed through the several degrees of 
our Order, we hope with some pleasure to 
her and we know with great satisfaction 
to us. You will give her a hearty wel- 
come and resume order at the sound of 
the gavel. 

The Chapter t^kes a recess. 



Installation Ceremonies, 



These ceremonies may be performed in public. 
If at a special meeting, the Chapter will be de- 
clared open with one blow of the Gavel. If regu- 
lar, it may be opened in an adjacent room and 
business postponed, adjourning to the Hall for 
installation, after which the Worthy Matron will 
declare the Chapter closed. 

The Installing Officer must be a Present or 
Past Matron or Patron. The first board of officers 
of a new Chapter must be installed by a Grand 
Matron or Patron, or a Deputy; who also may 
install the officers of any Chapter when requested 
to do so by the Chapter. 

The Installing Officer, after assuming the chair, 
will appoint a Marshal, who will collect the sev- 
eral badges of office and place them where they 
will be convenient for use. The Secretary will 
furnish the Marshal with a list of the officers to 
be installed. If the installation is a public one, 
an address may be delivered touching the history 
and purposes of the Order. 

If a Grand officer presides, the Marshal will be 
Grand Marshal. The officers will be addressed by 



7t Order of the Eastern Star. 

their titles and such changes made in the language 
of the following ceremonies as the circumstances 
require. 

Music, vocal or instrumental, may be intro- 
duced as may seem best. 

After the appointment of the Marshal and the 
collection of the badges of office, the installing 
officer will proceed as follows: 

/. 0. Sisters and Brothers, the selec- 
tion of a new board of officers is an 
important event in the history of a Chap- 
ter. The welfare of this Chapter and the 
prosperity of our Order in this place, may 
be permanently effected by the action of 
those whom you have chosen to serve as 
the officers of this Chapter for the ensuing 
year. Before investing them with official 
authority we will invoke the blessing of 
Him from whom cometh all wisdom and 
strength. Let us unite in prayer. 

The Chapter is called up and the Installing 
Officer or Chaplain offers at the altar the following 

PRAYER. 
Our Father, who art in Heaven, whose wisdom 
and goodness manifest themselves in all the works 
of creation; with filial love and reverence we 
invoke Thy blessing upon Thy children here 
assembled an 1 grace to consecrate the labors we 



Installation Ceremonies. 71 

have met to perform. We commend to Thy 
especial care and guidance the officers elect, into 
whose hands we are about to repose the govern- 
ment of this Chapter. Endue them with a just 
appreciation of the responsibilities they are about 
to assume; and may they be ever mindful that a 
Father's care is always over them and that Thy 
all-seeing eye is ever upon them. 

Bless and prosper our beloved Order; may it be 
known and honored among the institutions of the 
land as one whose foundation is laid upon the 
enduring principle of Truth. Direct our foot- 
steps in ways of pleasantness and paths of peace 
and may all our doings reflect honor upon Thy 
Holy Name. AMEN. 

Response by the Chapter: 

So may it ever be. 

Seats the Chapter. 

I. 0. Sister Marshal. 

M. Worthy ■ — 

I. 0. You will call the roll of officers 
olect who, as their names are called, will 
form a semi-circle on the west side of the 
altar, facing the East, to receive the Obli- 
gation. 

The W. M. on the extreme South, then followed 
by the W. P., A. M., etc. If the Warder and Sen- 
tinel are both called from their stations, a brother 
will be appointed to attend at the door until the 



72 Order of the Eastern Star. 

absent officers return. Old officers not re-elected 
nor appointed, may occupy their stations until 
their successors are installed. When all are in 
their places, the Marshal will say: 

M. Worthy ■ — — , the officers-elect 

are in order and await your pleasure. 

I. 0. Sisters and brothers, you behold 
those who have been selected as officers 
to serve you for the ensuing year. Do 
you still desire that they shall fill the 
positions to which they have been elected 
or appointed? 

Ans. We do. 

Calls up the Chapter. 
I. 0. You will repeat after me the fol- 
lowing 

OBLIGATION: 

I solemnly and sincerely promise, in the pres- 
ence of the members of this Chapter, that I will, 
to the best of my ability, faithfully and impar- 
tially perform all the duties belonging to the 
office for which I have been selected. That I will 
conform to the By-Laws of this Chapter and the 
Constitution, Rules and Regulations of the 
Grand Chapter and do all in my power to pro- 
mote the welfare and prosperity of our Order. 

The Chapter and officers will be seated. The 
Marshal will present the officers at the altar for 



Installation Ceremonies. 73 

installation, approaching the altar betvr .n Adah 
and Ruth and leaving between Martha ^id Electa. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Worthy Matron elect for installation. 

M. Worthy ■ — , it is with pleasure 

that I present for installation Sister 

, who has been elected Worthy 

Matron of this Chapter for the ensuing 
year. Our sister is fully aware of the 
important responsibility that rests upon 
her in the acceptance of this trust, yet she 
is willing to assume it, in the hope that by 
^ aid of her sisters and brothers and 
the favor of God, she will not prove alto- 
gether unworthy of the high honor that 
has been conferred upon her. 

I. 0. My sister, before proceeding 
with your investiture, it is necessary that 
you signify your assent to those Regula- 
tions of the Order, upon the strict observ- 
ance of which its stability and success 
depend. 

You admit that the name, character and 
modes of recognition of the Order of the 
Eastern Star are unchangeable. 

Ans. I do. 



74 Order of the Eastern Star. 

You a Imit that a belief in the existence 
of a Supreme Being is one of the require- 
ments of the Order. 

Ans. I do. 

You admit that the utmost care should 
be taken to admit to membership only 
such persons as possess a good moral char- 
acter. 

Ans. I do. 

You admit that no new Chapter can be 
legally formed without a Charter or Dis- 
pensation from the Grand Chapter within 
whose jurisdiction it is formed; that no 
countenance should be given to any ille- 
gally formed Chapter, its members, or 
persons initiated therein. 

Ans. I do. 

You promise to obey the Laws and Regu- 
lations of the Grand Chapter; together 
with the By-Laws of this Chapter and 
permit no violation of them by its mem- 
bers. 

Ans. I do. 

You promise that no visitor will be 
admitted to your Chapter, to witness the 
secret work of the Order, unless found 



Installation Ceremonies. 75 

legally entitled to do so; and that none 
will be admitted who would injuriously 
effect the peace and harmony of the 
Chapter. 

Ans. I do. 

You agree to do all in your power to 
promote the welfare of this Chapter and 
to enforce, to the best of your ability, all 
the rules and regulations of the Order. 

Ans. I do. 

Members of ■ Chapter, you have 

heard your Worthy Matron elect in the 
pledges she has made; do you promise to 
support her in the performance of her 
duties? 

Ans. We do. 

My sister, the office of Worthy Matron 
is one of great responsibility and it will 
require your utmost attention, wisdom and 
forbearance. The members will look to 
you, not only for counsel in all matters 
that come before the Chapter, but for 
advice and sympathy in their troubles and 
sorrows. It should be your constant 
study, therefore, how best to cultivate the 
social virtues and avoid unpleasant mis- 



76 Order of the Eastern Star. 

understandings among the members of 
your Chapter. You should be cautious in 
the execution of your trust, courteous to 
the members and ever ready to render a 
helping hand to sisters or brothers in 
affliction or adversity. You should set an 
example of good order and punctuality; 
for only by so doing can you expect simi- 
lar attention from others. Whatever you 
would deem praiseworthy in another, in 
your position, you should carefully imitate ; 
and with equal care, avoid what would be 
blameworthy. Within the Chapter, it will 
be your duty to see that its regular meet- 
ings are held and special meetings called, 
whenever the good of the Chapter 
demands them; that your subordinates 
fill their stations with honor and useful- 
ness; that the By-Laws be implicitly 
obeyed; that the funds, records, rituals 
and other property of the Chapter be 
properly preserved by the officers in 
whose charge they are placed; that the 
cry of the widow and orphan shall never 
be heard in vain; and that this Chapter 
fails in nothing for which it was estab- 



Installation Ceremonies, 77 

lished. All this you should strive to 
accomplish by the zealous exercise of your 
prerogatives as Worthy Matron, to which 
exalted position your associates have been 
pleased to elect you. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sis- 
ter with the badge of her office. 

The Marshal will invest the officers with their 
badges as she is requested to do so by the Instal- 
ling Officer. 

I. 0. Your badge is the Gavel within 
the Star, an emblem of authority, admon- 
ishing you that upon your 
judgment and discretion 
rests the government of 
this Chapter, and in a 
great measure, the prosper- 
ity of our beautiful Order. 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
sister to her station. 

The Worthy Matron will ascend the dais, and 
turning towards the Chapter, stand in her station. 
The Installing Officer will call up the Chapter 
and say: 




78 Order of the Eastern Star. 

I. 0. Worthy Matron, behold your sis- 
ters and brothers. Sisters and brothers, 
behold your Worthy Matron and salute 
her with the Grand Honors. 

The Chapter responds by giving the Grand 
Honors, after which the Chapter is seated- The 
Worthy Matron takes the chair on the left of the 
Installing Officer. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Worthy Patron elect for installation. 

M. Worthy ■ ■ , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting, for installation, Brother 

— — , who has been elected Worthy 

Patron of this Chapter for the ensuing 
year. His zeal in our cause and quali- 
fications for the position, assure us that 
he will discharge the duties to the satis- 
faction of the Chapter and the honor and 
welfare of our Order. 

/. O. My brother, you have heard the 
pledges made by the Worthy Matron pre- 
vious to her installation. Do you also 
promise a faithful obedience to all those 
regulations? 

Ans. I do. 



Installation Ceremonies. 79 

i*. 0. My Brother, the station to which 
you have been elected is one of the most 
important within the gift of the members 
of this Chapter and your election thereto 
the highest honor they can confer upon a 
Brother. From the nature of the Order 
you are not its chief officer, yet you are 
expected to have a watchful care over the 
interests of the Chapter and see that the 
Laws of the Order are promptly obeyed. 

It is your duty to preside during the 
ceremony of Initiation and at other times 
when requested to do so by the Worthy 
Matron; to see that the officers are thor- 
oughly instructed in their duties and that 
the ritual work of the Order is properly 
rendered. It is also your duty to have a 
general supervision over the affairs of the 
Chapter and act as the constitutional ad- 
viser of the Worthy Matron. To do this 
acceptably, you must make yourself thor- 
oughly familiar with the jurisprudence of 
the Order, as promulgated in its establish- 
ed rules and regulations. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our 
brother with the badge of his office. 




80 Order of the Eastern Star. 

I. 0. Your badge is the Square and 
Compasses within the Star, an emblem of 
the relationship existing 
between the Masonic Fra- 
ternity and the Order of 
the Eastern Star, and 
admonishes you to be ever 
mindful of your obliga- 
tions to the Order. 
Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
brother to his station, at the left of the 
Worthy Matron. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Associate Matron elect for installation. 

M. Worthy , I have the pleasure 

of presenting Sister ■ , who has been 

elected Associate Matron of this Chapter 
for the ensuing year. 

I. 0. My Sister, the duties of your 
position are embodied in the name of your 
office. You are the assistant to the 
Worthy Matron in all branches of her re- 
sponsible charge, and in her absence, will 
succeed to all her privileges and preroga- 
tives. It is necessary, therefore, that you 
should make yourself familiar with the 




Installation Ceremonies. 81 

duties of that office, so that you may fill it 
with credit to yourself and honor to your 
Chapter. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sister 
with the badge of her office. 

/. 0. Your badge is the Sun within the 
Star, an emblem of light, 
admonishing you that the 
principles of our Order 
should shine with undi- 
minished lustre through 
our lives. 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
sister to her station in the West. 

I. 0. Sister Marshal, you will pre- 
sent the Secretary elect. 

M. Worthy ■ — ■ — — , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting Sister , who has 

been elected Secretary of this Chapter for 
the ensuing year. 

/. 0. My sister, yours is a difficult and 
responsible charge. Failure or neglect on 
your part will complicate and embarrass all 
our proceedings, and give us a disgraceful 
record on the books of the Grand Chapter. 
It is your duty to note in proper order, 
the business of our meetings; to collect all 



32 Order of the Eastern Star. 

moneys due the Chapter, and forward to 
the Grand Secretary the necessary returns, 
as required by the Constitution, and per- 
form such other duties as properly belong 
to your office. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sis- 
ter with the badge of her office. 

Your badge is the Cross-pens within the 
Star, an emblem of intelli- 
gence, admonishing you to 
be faithful to your trust, 
that the good deeds of your 
companions may not go 
unrecorded. 
Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
sister to her station in the Southeast. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Treasurer elect. 

M. Worthy ■ , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting Sister ■ , who has 

been elected Treasurer of this Chapter 
for the ensuing year. 

i". 0. My sister, the proper preserva- 
tion of our funds demands honesty and 
carefulness on the part of the Treasurer. 
The money placed in your hands may be 
required for charitable purposes at the 





Installation Ceremonies. 

most unexpected moment, or to meet the 
necessary expenses of the Chapter. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sis- 
ter with the badge of her office. 

Your badge is the Cross-keys within 
the Star, an emblem of security, admon- 
ishing you to the strictest 
fidelity in the discharge of 
your important trust, that 
the Chapter may not be 
embarrassed in its efforts 
to relieve the distressed 
and meet its necessary expenses. 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
sister to her station in the Northeast. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Conductress and Associate Con- 
ductress elect. 

M. Worthy ■ ■ — , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting Sister ■ , elected to 

be Conductress, and Sister ■ — — ■ — , elected 
to be Associate Conductress of this Chap- 
ter for the ensuing year. 

/. 0. My sisters, upon you devolves 
the duty of preparing and conducting 
through our ceremonies of initiation those 
who seek the privileges of our Order. It 



84 Order of the Eastern Star. 

is important, therefore, that you should 
fully understand and intelligently per 
form the duties of your ofhce. The can- 
didates enter our Chapter prepared to 
receive a favorable impression of our 
mysteries and aims; if you present these 
matters aright, throwing sisterly courtesy 
and dignity around your official proceed- 
ings, they will acquire a fond regard for 
our beautiful Order. Remember, there- 
fore, that it depends greatly upon the 
manner in which you perform your duties 
whether the candidates receive favorable 
impressions from their initiation. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sis- 
ters with their badges of office. 

Sister Conductress, your badge is the 
Scroll and Baton within 
the Star, an emblem of 
prepared plans and their 
fulfillment, admonishing 
you that the first impres- 
sions made upon candi- 
dates are permanent, and should be for 
good 





Installation Ceremonies. 85 

Sister Associate Conductress, your 

badge is the Baton within 

the Star, an emblem of 

direction, admonishing 

you that good discipline 

is essential to the success 

of our Order. 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 

sisters to their stations in the South 

and North. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Chaplain for installation. 

M. Worthy ■ — ■ — — , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting • — ■ — ■ — ■ — ■ — ■ — -, who has 
been appointed Chaplain for the ensuing 
year. 

i". 0. My • , we recognize our 

dependence upon the Source of all Wis- 
dom and Strength, and often invoke the 
blessing of our Heavenly Father upon our 
work. It will be your duty to lead the 
Chapter in its devotions at the altar, and 
perform such other duties as are appro- 
priate to your office. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our 
with the badge of his office. 



36 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Your badge is the Bible within the Star, 
a symbol of the Word of 
God, admonishing you to 
walk circumspectly, that 
• your life may be void of 
offense toward God and 
man. 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
- to ■ station in the East, at the 




right of the Worthy Matron. 

/. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Marshal for installation. 

M. Worthy , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting Sister , who has 

been appointed Marshal for the ensuing 
year. 

I. 0. My sister, the position assigned 
you is one of honor and responsibility. 
It is your duty to superintend and mar- 
shal all processions, assist in all public 
and private ceremonies, conduct and pro- 
claim the officers at the time of their 
installation, and perform such other 
duties as pertain to your office. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sis- 
ter v T ith the badge of her office. 




Installation Ceremonies. 87 

Your badge is the Cross-batons within 
the Star, an emblem of 
direction, admonishing you 
that courtesy and prompt- 
ness are essential to the 
discharge of your duties. 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
sister to her station in the Southeast. 

I. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Organist for installation. 

M. Worthy ■ — , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting , who has 

been appointed Organist for the ensuing 
year. 

/. 0. My sister, your duties are em- 
bodied in the name of your office. To 
make the initiation ceremonies as impres- 
sive and effective as we desire, it is 
important that you should be faithful to 
your trust. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our 

with the badge of her office. 



38 Order oj the Eastern Star. 

Your badge is the Lyre within the btar, 
an emblem of music and 
poetry, admonishing you 
that by uniting harmony 
. with our mystic rites, the 
impressions will be more 
lasting. 
Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
to ■ — — station. 




I. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
for installation the sisters appointed to rep- 
resent the five rays of our central Star. 

M . Worthy , I have the pleasure 

of presenting those who have been ap- 
pointed to represent the five rays of our 

central Star. Sister , to represent 

the blue ray of Adah; Sister , the 

yellow ray of Ruth; Sister , the 

white ray of Esther; Sister , the 

green ray of Martha and Sister , 

the red ray of Electa. 

In the installation of the Star officers, bouquets 
of flowers having the appropriate colors for the 
several points, may be introduced with pleasing 
effect. 

I. 0. My sisters, you are the floral 
center of this Chapter. In our ceremo- 



Installation Ceremonies. 89 

nies, the colors and flowers appropriate to 
the five points of our Star are endowed 
with beauty and instruction. To you is 
assigned the duty of teaching the impres- 
sive lessons which those colors and floral 
emblems symbolize, and the sublime vir- 
tues illustrated in the lives of the heroines 
of our Order. How important, then, that 
in the discharge of your official duties, 
you should strive to throw an air of beauty 
and solemnity around all that you have to 
say and do, so that from you, as the cen- 
tral Star of this Chapter, may emanate a 
light that will give instruction and joy to 
all who attend our meetings. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our sis- 
ters with their badges of office. 

I. 0. Sister Adah, your badge is the 
Sword and Veil within the 
Triangle, an emblem of the 
heroic conduct of Jeph- 
thah's Daughter, admon- 
ishing you to be ever 
faithful to your convic- 
tions of right and duty. 






90 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Sister Ruth, your badge is the Sheaf 
within the Triangle, an 
emblem of plenty, admon- 
ishing you that patient 
industry shall hot go 
unrewarded. 

Sister Esther, your badge is the Crown 
and Scepter within the 
Triangle, an emblem of 
royalty and power, admon- 
ishing you to emulate the 
virtues of the heroic 
queen Esther. 

Sister Martha, your badge is the Broken 
Column within the Tri- 
angle, an emblem of the 
uncertainty of human life, 
admonishing you that the 
deepest sorrow is often 
relieved by trustful faith 
in God. 

Sister Electa, your badge is the Cup 
within the Triangle, an 
emblem of charity and 
hospitality, virtues incul- 
cated by the teachings of 
our Order. 





Installation Ceremonies. 91 

Such, my sisters, are some of the les- 
sons taught by your several badges of 
office. 

The sublime virtues exemplified in the 
lives of the distinguished heroines, whom 
you represent, are worthy of imitation 
and I trust that, while you teach those 
virtues to others, they will be illustrated 
in your lives. Thus you may honor the 
positions to which you have been 
appointed and lay up for yourselves those 
Heavenly treasures which shall never fade 
and which will render you "Fairest 
among thousands, altogether lovely." 

Sister Marshal, you will conduct our 
sisters to their several stations. 

I. 0. Sister Marshal, you will present 
the Warder and Sentinel for installation. 

M. Worthy — , I have the pleas- 
ure of presenting Sister f who 

has been appointed Warder and Bro. 
■ , appointed Sentinel of this Chap- 
ter for the ensuing year. 

/. 0. My sister and brother, you are 
respectively the inner and outer guards 
of the Chapter. Upon you, therefore, we 



92 



Order of the Eastern Star. 



rely to preserve that secrecy which is 
essential to our proceedings, and to see 
that the solemnity of our ceremonies is 
not interrupted by untimely alarms. Be 
ever watchful in your positions and allow 
none to enter nor leave the Chapter with- 
out permission of the presiding officer. 

Sister Marshal, you will invest our 
sister and brother with their badges of 
office. 

Sister Warder, your badge is the Dove 
within the Star, an em- 
blem of peace, admonish- 
ing you that peace and 
harmony are necessary to 
the success of our Order. 

Brother Sentinel, your badge is the 
Cross-swords within the 
Star, an emblem of protec- 
t i o n, admonishing you 
that upon your watchful 
care depends our security 
from interruption. 
Sister Marshal, you will conduct our sis- 
ter and brother to their stations within 
and without the door. 





Installation Ceremonies. 93 

/. 0. Sisters and Brothers, such is the 
nature of all associations, that some must 
rule and govern, others submit and obey. 

The officers whom you have selected to 
preside over your deliberations during the 
ensuing year, are I trust, sufficiently con- 
versant with the rules of our Order to 
avoid exceeding the powers with which 
you have intrusted them. 

All things are now ready for you to enter 
upon the proceedings of a new year. Bu\. 
we know not what is before us. No one can 
affirm that another year, nor even a single 
day, will be committed to our trust. There- 
fore, if we have been faithful heretofore, 
let us increase our exertions for the future. 

As among the objects for which we are 
associated together is our purpose to pro- 
tect the widow and orphan, comfort the 
afflicted, sympathize with the sorrowing 
and relieve the destitute and distressed, 
I trust that no discord will ever rise 
among us to imperil the success of our 
efforts to accomplish these charitable 
purposes and increase the happiness of 
ourselves and others. 



94 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Let us be kind, forbearing and forgiv- 
ing, one towards another. Let us return 
kindness for hostility. Let us sacredly 
preserve our lips from slander and evil 
speaking; and, whatever may be our fail- 
ings, let us throw around each other the 
broad mantle of charity. And, finally, let 
us be governed in words and deeds by the 
golden rule, "Whatsoever ye would that 
men should do to you, do ye even so to 
them: for this is the law and the 
prophets" 

Thus may we confidently hope that in 
the good providence of God, each of us 
will be brought, through a useful and 
^appy life, to a blissful close and trium- 
phant entrance upon the joys of celestial 
life. 

The Installing Officer then addresses the 
Worthy Matron, who, as he does so, rises. 

Worthy Matron, the officers of your 
Chapter have been installed into their 
respective stations and are prepared tl 
enter upon their duties. You will no\t 
receive in charge the Charter, by the 



Installation Ceremonies. 95 

authority of which this Chapter is held 
and which must be present at all its meet- 
ings. You will also receive the Constitu- 
tion governing the Order in this State 
and the By-Laws of this Chapter, both of 
which you are expected to make yourself 
thoroughly acquainted with and see 
promptly obeyed. I now present to you 
the Gavel, an emblem of your authority; 
and, as none should disobey it, I confi- 
dently hope that you will never use it in 
an arbitrary or dictatorial manner, remem- 
bering that we should charitably temper 
justice with mercy. You will now assume 
your station as the Worthy Matron of this 
Chapter. 

The Worthy Matron steps to the center of the 
dais and the Installing Officer to the right. The 
Worthy Matron calls up the Chapter. 

I. 0. Sister Marshal, you will now 

proclaim the officers of ■ Chapter No. — , 

regularly installed. 

M. In the name of the Grand Chapter 

and by order of the Worthy , I 

proclaim the officers of ■ Chapter No, 

— , of the Order of the Eastern Star, for 
the ensuing year, regularly installed. 



CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION 

Officers of Grand Chapters. 



The Grand Chapter being properly opened, as 
for work, a Past Grand Matron or Grand Patron 
presiding; if none such be present, then the old- 
est member being a Past Matron shall take the 
chair, and, with such assistance as she may ap- 
point, the ceremony shall proceed, as follows: 

The Grand Secretary shall call the list of offi- 
cers, elected and appointed; and, as their names 
are called, they will form a semi-circle on the west 
side of the Altar, facing the East, to receive the 
Obligation; the emblems of office and jewels hav- 
ing been collected at the East; the Worthy 
Grand Matron on the extreme South, followed by 
the Worthy Grand Patron, &c. 

[This ceremony may be used to install the offi- 
cers of the General Grand Chapter, by prefixing 
the words, "Most Worthy" to Grand Matron and 
Grand Patron, "Right Worthy" to the Associate 
Grand Matron, Associate Grand Patron, Grand 
Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Conductress, 

97 



98 Order of the Eastern Star. 

and Associate Grand Conductress and "Worthy" 
before the rest of the Grand Officers. Whenever 
"Grand Chapter" occurs, prefix the word "Gen- 
eral."] 

The Grand Marshal will then present the offi- 
cers to the Grand Matron or Grand Patron. 

G. M. Grand , I have the pleas- 
ure to present to you for installation, 
these sisters and brothers, who have been 
duly elected and chosen to preside over us 
and assist in conducting the business of 
this Grand Chapter and to discharge all 
other duties appertaining to their several 
stations until their successors are lawfully 
chosen and installed. 

Installing Officer rises and calls up the Grand 
Chapter, which is addressed as follows: 

Grand . Sisters and brothers of 

the Grand Chapter, these persons, selected 
by you, are now ready and willing to take 
upon themselves the obligations, duties 
and responsibilities of office. In our 
beautiful Order, preferment to office 
should not be sought after, but should 
come to the individual chosen as an 
honor, justly merited and freely bestowed. 
Those only should be chosen who, by 



Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 90 

their reputation, their work and high 
moral character, command the esteem and 
confidence of our members, and can give 
us standing and credit before the world. 
Do you believe they possess these qualifi- 
cations and now desire that they shall be 
installed into the offices to which they 
have been chosen? 

The Grand Chapter responds: 
We do. 

Installing Officer continues: 

Grand . Sisters and brothers- 
elect, there being no objection against 
either of you, gives us full assurance of 
your competency to discharge the respon- 
sible duties to be assigned you. You 
have been chosen to take charge of the 
affairs of this Grand Chapter for the ensu- 
ing year. 

It is no small mark of esteem to be 
thus selected; let it be your aim to make 
the ensuing year the most prosperous in 
the history of this Grand Chapter; then 
you will find in the record of its pros- 
perity the reward of your faithful service. 



100 Order of the Eastern Star. 

You will please give your assent to the 
obligation of office. 

Do you each sacredly promise to sup- 
port, maintain and enforce the Constitu- 
tion, By-Laws and Regulations of this 
Grand Chapter; be obedient to its orders 
and directions and to the best of your 
knowledge and ability, impartially and 
faithfully discharge the duties of your 
office; and use your utmost endeavors to 
make yourself useful and your station 
honorable, in the office with which I am 
now about to invest you? 

They severally assent and the Installing Offi- 
cer will then seat the Grand Chapter, the officers 
elect being seated together and the ceremonies 
will proceed, as follows: 

G. M. Grand ■ , I have the honor 

to present for installation, Sister , 

duly elected Grand Matron for the ensu- 
ing year. Our sister is fully aware of the 
great responsibility she is assuming, in 
the acceptance of this important position, 
yet she is willing to undertake it, in the 
belief that, with the aid and assistance of 
the sisters and brothers and by the help 



Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 101 

of God, she will not fail in the perform- 
ance of her duty and thus prove that the 
confidence reposed in her has not been 
misapplied. 

Grand — . Sister ■ — ■ — ■ — , you have 

been elected by the free ballot of the 
members of this Grand Chapter, to occupy 
the most exalted position in their power 
to bestow upon a sister, a just and deserv- 
ing tribute to your zeal and worth and I 
congratulate you upon your preferment. 

The high honors attached to the office 
of Grand Matron are accompanied by 
weighty and delicate responsibilities. It 
is expected that you will have a watchful 
care over the interests of this Grand Chap- 
ter; see that its Constitutions, By-Laws 
and Regulations, orders and edicts are 
promptly enforced throughout this juris- 
diction, that subordinate officers discharge 
their duties and that, by your own respect 
for law and good government, you will 
cause all others to find the strongest 
incentive of obedience to all lawful com- 
mands. 



102 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Your duties are more specifically set forth 
in the Constitution, to which I refer you, 
with the admonition: Be cautious in 
your words, courteous in your actions, 
sincere in your rulings, governing with 
moderation and decorum, trusting that 
your well-known zeal in the cause of the 
Order will lead you to discharge these 
important trusts with lasting benefit to 
this Grand Chapter and great credit to 
yourself. 

You will now be in- 
vested with the proper 
badge of office and be 
conducted to your sta- 
tion in the East. 

After she is in her station, the Installing offi- 
cer will call up the Grand Chapter and say: 

Grand • — . Grand Matron, behold 

your sisters and brothers! Sisters and 
brothers, behold your Grand Matron and 
salute her with the Grand Honors. 
Seats the Grand Chapter. 

G. M. Grand , it is with pleas- 
ure I introduce to you Brother ■ ■ — — , 

frho has been duly elected Grand Patron 




Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 103 

for the ensuing year. I doubt not but 
you will find him as willing to discharge 
the duties as to enjoy the high honors 
conferred upon him. 

Grand . Brother , you 

have been elected by the free choice of 
the members of this Grand Chapter to 
occupy the most exalted position in their 
power to bestow upon a brother; a just 
compliment to your zeal and worth and 
for which I offer you my sincere congrat- 
ulations. Your intimate acquaintance 
with the rules and affairs of our Order 
justify me in saying that the members 
have exercised a sound discretion in this 
selection. You are elevated to a position 
from which the power and prerogative 
may depart with the expiration of your 
term of service ; but the honor and dignity, 
except by your own act, neverl 

Your duties are to issue dispensations, 
organize and supervise new Chapters and 
assist the Grand Matron in the discharge 
of her duties. Other duties appropriate 
to your high office might be named, which 
will readily suggest themselves to a sensi- 



104 Order of the Eastern Star. 

tive mind, imbued with a proper zeal to 
promote the interests of our Order. The 
field is broad and whitening for the har- 
vest; may you be the instrument of gath- 
ering many sheaves to our garner, that it 
may be said of you, "Well done, thou 
good and faithful servant; thou hast been 
faithful over a few things, I will make 
thee ruler over many things." 

You will now be in- 
vested with the insignia 
of office and be con- 
ducted to your station 
on the left of the Grand 
Matron in the East. 
After he is in his station, the Installing Officer 
will call up the Grand Chapter and say: 

Grand . Grand Patron, behold 

your sisters and brothers! Sisters and 
brothers, behold your Grand Patron and 
salute him with the Grand Honors. 
Seats the Grand Chaptei. 

G. M. Grand ■ , with pleasure I 

present Sister ■ , elected Associate 

Grand Matron, for installation. I am per- 
suaded she fully appreciates the horjor 




Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 1@5 

conferred and will discharge the duties 
imposed, with credit to herself and satis- 
faction to the Order. 

Grand . Sister , the 

duties of your honorable station are 
embodied in the name of your office. 
You are to assist the Grand Matron and 
in case of her death, absence or disability, 
you shall act for her and discharge her 
duties. To you, is especially intrusted 
the supervision of your sister officers, that 
the paraphernalia of the Grand Chapter 
be properly preserved and its ritual 
ceremonies performed intelligently. Be 
ever ready to discharge these duties. 

You will now be in- 
vested with your badge 
of office and conducted 
to your station in the 
West. 

G. M. Grand , I now have the 

pleasure of presenting to you, for installa- 
tion, Brother • , who has been duly 

elected Associate Grand Patron. 

> Grand . Brother — — — ■ — , I 

congratulate you on being chosen to fill sc? 




106 Order of the Eastern Star, 

high a station. Your duties are to assist 
the Grand Patron and in case of his death, 
absence or disability, to assume his powers 
and duties. Those who have reposed so 
much confidence in you have reason to 
expect you to faithfully look after their 
interests and zealously work for the wel- 
fare of the Order. Let the laws, tenets 
and professions of the Eastern Star be 
your constant study, that you may be 
ready to enforce them by precept and ex- 
ample and the better enabled to exercise 
the higher and more exalted position 
to which you may be called at any moment. 
You will now be invested 
with the proper emblem 
of office and conducted 
to your station on the left 
of the Associate Grand 
Matron, in the West. 

G. M. Grand , it is my pleasant 

duty to introduce , duly elected 

to serve us as Grand Secretary for the 
ensuing year. 

Grand • . , the 

office to which you have been elected is by 
far the most important, if not the most 




Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 107 

honorable, within the gift of this Grand 
Chapter. Yours is an onerous and most 
responsible charge. But few are compe- 
tent to perform it in the thorough manner 
it demands. Failure or neglect upon 
your part will complicate and embarrass 
all our proceedings and give us a dis- 
graceful record before the world. To 
you, also, is intrusted the collection of all 
funds due the Grand Chapter, the custody 
of the seal, records, books and papers. 
You are the correspondent and financial 
agent of the Grand Chapter, the medium 
of intercourse between the officers and 
members thereof, as well as between them 
and Subordinate Chapters. The faithful 
discharge of all your various duties 
requires constant and systematic work, 
a careful keeping of records and accounts, 
prompt and discreet action and the high- 
est integrity of character. 

You will now receive 
your emblem of office 
and be conducted to 
your station in the 
Southeast. 




108 Order of the Eastern Star. 

G. M. Grand , it is with confi- 
dence and pleasure I present to you, for 

installation, Sister , duly elected to serve 

as Grand Treasurer for the ensuing year. 

Grand • . Sister, , to you 

is intrusted the proper care, preservation 
and disbursement of the funds of this 
Grand Chapter. This is a trust of the 
utmost importance, for without money 
little good can be accomplished. You 
will, therefore, attend carefully to the 
financial interests of the Order, receiving 
the funds, through the Grand Secretary, 
from the different sources of revenue, 
keep them safely invested, render a just 
account thereof and pay the same out 
only on proper vouchers, with the consent 
of this Grand Chapter. Let it be your 
constant care to be faithful to your trust 
and not forfeit the confidence reposed in 
you by this Grand Chapter. 

You will now receive 
your badge of office, and 
be conducted to your 
station, in the North- 
east. 




Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 109 

G. M. Grand • , I have the pleas- 
ure to introduce, for installation, Sister 
■ — ■ — ■ — chosen as Grand Conductress and 

Sister ■ , chosen as Associate Grand 

Conductress for the ensuing year. 

Grand . My sisters, your duties 

are to attend upon your superior officers, 
assist in the active duties of this Grand 
Chapter, introduce and welcome visitors 
and aid in exemplifying the rites and cere- 
monies of our Order upon all proper occa- 
sions. 

If you attend to these duties aright, 
throwing sisterly courtesy and dignity 
around your official conduct, you will ac- 
quire the confidence and respect of all 
and merit promotion to still higher honors 
and more weighty responsibilities. 
You will now receive your respective 
badges of 
office and 
be con- 
^ ducted to i 
your prop- 
er stations 
in the South and North. 





110 Order of the Eastern Mar. 

G. M. Grand ■ — — — , I have the honor 
to present , chosen to offici- 
ate as Grand Chaplain for the ensuing 
year. 

Grand , My , our beau- 
tiful Order, founded upon the moral 
teachings of the Holy Scripture, every- 
where and on all occasions, acknowledges 
the existence and providence of God. 
Except the Lord build the house, they 
labor in vain that build it; except the 
Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh 
in vain. You have been chosen Grand 
Chaplain and as such, it will be your 
duty to conduct the devotional exercises of 
this Grand Chapter and superintend and 
promote its charitable and benevolent 
objects. These will afford a wide field of 
usefulness and may you be so successful 
in pointing to the "Star in the East" that 
all will be induced to follow it until they 
meet in the Grand Chapter above. 

You will now be in- 
vested with your badge 
of office and take your 
station on the right of 
the Grand Matron. 




installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. Ill 

G. M. Grand , it is with pleas- 
ure I present , appointed 

Grand Lecturer. 

Grand . , to you 

is intrusted the work of the Order; its 
rites, traditions and ceremonies and it 
will be your duty to exemplify the same, 
whenever called upon by this Grand Chap- 
ter and see that they are intelligently 
performed by the subordinate Chapters of 
this jurisdiction. To discharge these 
duties well, will require much time, study 
and observation upon your part; but we 
trust that your attachment to the princi- 
ples of our Order and zeal in promoting 
its interests, will lead you to the faithful 
discharge of your duties. 

Receive the jewel and emblem of your 
office and take your station in the South. 

G. M. Grand ■ , I now have the 

pleasure of presenting ■ , for 

installation, as Grand Marshal. 

Grand . , the post 

assigned to you is one of honor and re- 
sponsibility. It is your duty to super- 
intend and marshal all processions of the 



112 



Order of the Eastern Star. 



Grand Chapter, assist in all its public and 
private ceremonies, conduct and proclaim 
die officers at the time of installation and 
perform such other duties as pertain to 
your office. 

You will now be in- 
vested with the badge of 
your office and con- 
ducted to your station 
in the Southeast. 




G. M. It is my pleasant duty to present 

for installation, Sister ■ , appointed to 

serve as Grand Organist for the ensuing 
year. 



Grand • 



— . My sister, your duties 
are embodied in the name of your office 
admonishing you that by uniting music 
and harmony with our mystic lessons the 
ceremonials of our Order will prove more 
iasting„ 




Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 113 

You will be invested 
with your badge of of- 
fice and conducted to 
your station. 

G. M. Grand , it is with pleas- 
ure that I present to you, for installation, 
these sisters, who have been appointed to 
represent the five distinguished heroines 

of our Order, Sister , as Grand 

Adah ; Sister ■ , as Grand Ruth ; Sis- 
ter , as Grand Esther; Sister , 

as Grand Martha; Sister , as Grand 

Electa. 

Grand . My sisters, the most 

important lessons of our Order are given 
from the five points of our emblematic 
Star. It should be your study to most 
impressively render these lessons, during 
the opening ceremonies of this Grand 
Chapter and whenever your services may 
be needed. 

You will now each be invested with the 
badge of your office and conducted to your 
stations. 



114 



Order of the Eastern Star. 




CM. It is with pleasure that I pre- 
sent, for installation, Sister , 

appointed to be Grand Warder and 

Brother , appointed to be Grand 

Sentinel. 

Grand ■ — — . My sister and brother, 

you are respectively the inner and outer 
guards of the Grand Chapter. Upon you, 
therefore, we rely to preserve that secrecy 
which is essential to our proceedings; 
to see that our ceremonies are not inter- 
rupted by untimely alarms and to discharge 
such other duties as appertain to your 
office. A prompt and faithful discharge 



Installation Ceremonies of Grand Officers. 115 





my duties arc 



of these responsibilities will afford the best 
evidence of your attachment for the tenets 
and professions of our Order. 

You will be invested with your respective 
badges of office and conducted to your 
stations 
within and 
without 
,the door of , 
the Grand 
Chapter. 

G. M. Grand , 

ended. The several officers of this Grand 
Chapter have been duly elected, installed, 
invested with their badge of office and 
conducted to their respective stations. 

Grand • . It is well. Officers 

and members of the Grand Chapter, all 
things are now ready for you to enter 
upon the proceedings of a new year. 
Harmony and good-will prevail and we 
start under the most auspicious circum- 
stances. But no one can affirm that 
another year, nor even a single day, will be 
committed to our trust. Therefore, if we 
have been faithful heretofore, let us 



116 Order of the Eastern Star. 

redouble our exertions for the future. 
Let us continue kindly affectionate, one 
toward another. Let us walk circum- 
spectly, sacredly preserving our lips from 
slander and evil speaking, ever remember- 
ing our sacred obligations. And may we, 
each of us, through the good providence 
of God, be brought, through a useful and 
happy life, to a blissful close and a trium- 
phant entrance upon the joys of the 
Heavenly life. 

Let us now look to God for His benedic- 
tion. 

Installing Officer calls up the Grand Chapter. 
Prayer. 

Grand • . Grand Marshal, you 

will proclaim the Grand Officers regular^ 
installed. 

CM. In the name of the Grand Chap- 
ter and by order of the Worthy Grand 

, I proclaim the officers of the 

Grand Chapter of ■ , Order of the 

Eastern Star, duly installed. 

Seats the Grand Chapter. 



Funeral Ceremonies 



<®xbtt & Cagtem ^tar, 



ADOPTED BY THE 



GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 



Funeral Ceremonies 

OF THE 

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR. 



At the burial of a sister or brother, the badges of 
the members and officers should be draped with 
crape. A floral five-pointed Star should be pro- 
vided, having flowers of the appropriate colors for 
the several points. The Star officers should each 
have a small bouquet or a few loose flowers of the 
appropriate color. A few flowers should also be 
provided for the Worthy Matron and Worthy 
Patron. 

The floral Star may be deposited with the 
casket or be retained by the family of the 
deceased. 

This service, although primarily designed for 
use at the Grave, can, if it is thought best to do 
so, be performed within the Chapter room, the 
Church, or other appropriate place. The mem- 
bers may meet at the Chapter room, or at the 
place of service. 

NOTE — The Worthy Matron may, at her dis- 
cretion, invite the Worthy Patron to pre? ; de . 



120 



Order of the Eastern Star. 



A member will be appointed to act as Marshal 
who will see that the badges are properly draped 
and that the officers and members are in their 
proper positions. 

If a procession is for:* ed, it will march in the 
following order: Marshal and Sentinel, Members, 
Warder and Electa, Martha and Esther, Ruth 
and Adah, Conductress and Associate Con- 
ductress, Secretary and Treasurer, Matron and 
Associate Matron, Patron and Chaplain. 

During the services, the officers and members 
will occupy the following positions around the 
Grave or casket: 



Sec'y. Treas. 



A. C. War. Sent. 



Marshal Matron. Patron. Chaplain. 



♦ * * * * 



(Mourners.) 
Members. 



When all is ready, the services should com- 
mence with a short strain of solemn music, "The 



Funeral Ceremonies. 121 

Lord is my Shepherd," etc. After which the 
Worthy Matron will say: 

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, we have 
gathered at this solemn hour to perform 
those final rites which affection has pre- 
scribed for our departed sister. She, who 
was with us but yesterday, has been sum- 
moned hence by a messenger who cometh 
sooner or later for us all. 

How appropriately may we gather 
around her remains and together pay 
love's tribute to her memory. 

She has indeed passed beyond the reach 
of praise or the touch of censure. It is 
not, therefore, to her that we tender this, 
our heart's saddest offering. 

We are here in acknowledgment of 
sacred ties now severed, of memories ten- 
derly cherished and hearts touched with 
sympathy for loved ones bereaved. 

Our sister has finished her allotted task 
in the conflict of life. The chapter of her 
earthly sojourn is closed but her many 
virtues shall not go unrecorded. 



122 Order of the Eastern Star. 

For a time we have walked with her in 
the pilgrimage of life and around the 
same altar we have learned the lessons of 
our Order. 

As she was faithful to her convictions 
of right, as she was obedient to the de- 
mands of honor and justice in her sta- 
tion; as she loved kindred and friends 
and in affliction evinced a trustful faith; 
and as she lived in the spirit of charity 
and the love of truth, so shall be her 
reward. 

Remembering her many virtues, we are 
indeed mourners at her grave and in the 
house of sorrow we would drop the tear of 
affectionate sympathy. 

Sisters, brothers and friends, as we 
stand in this solemn presence we may 
hear the voice of this Providence speak- 
ing to us. 

Not long shall we wait ere we obey the 
inexorable decree of Death and follow 
our sister. 

How brief and full of mystery is human 
life! Who can fathom its purpose or dis^ 



Funeral Ceremonies. 123 

jlose its issues. We entered life, as it 
were, but yesterday; to-day we perform 
our allotted task and to-morrow we go — 
who knows whither? We strain our eyes 
in vain endeavor to scan with mortal 
vision the infinite shore. But, thanks to 
our Heavenly Father, who gives fruition 
to His children's hopes, He bids us look 
yet again. 

Standing beside the Broken Column, 
we may, with Martha's trustful faith, look 
beyond the shore of time and know that 
our sister, though lost to mortal vision, is 
only waiting beyond the river to welcome 
us to our eternal home. 

"In my Father's house are many man- 
sions; if it were not so, I would have told 
you, I go to prepare a place for you, that 
where I am there ye may be also." Oh, let 
the comforting assurance come to us, 
"That if our earthly house of this taber- 
nacle were dissolved, we have a building 
of God, a house not made with hands, 
eternal in the Heavens." 

Instructed by this Providence, may we 
£0 from this place of mourning and this 



124 Order oj the Eastern Star 

hour of reflection, with the inspiration of 
a new hope and earnest purpose. 

"So live, that when thy summons comes to join 
The innumerable caravan that moves 
To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death, 
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night, 
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and 

soothed 
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams.'* 

SINGING. 

The following or some other appropriate hymn 
may be used: 

Friend after friend departs; 

Who hath not lost a friend? 
There is no union here of hearts, 

That finds not here an end. 
Were this frail world our only rest, 
Living or dying, none were blest. 

There is a world above, 
Where parting is unknown — 
A whole eternity of love 
And blessedness alone; 
And faith beholds the dying here, 
Translated to that happier sphere. 



Funeral Ceremonies. 125 

W. M. The examples and symbols of 
our Order are full of useful and impres- 
sive lessons. They speak to us in this 
solemn hour with unwonted significance. 

These floral tributes, the offering of sis- 
terly affection, echo voices often heard 
from the several points of our Star; they 
symbolize, in the ritual of our Order, vir- 
tues which should adorn our lives. How 
appropriately, then, may they bear an 
important part in this solemn ceremonial. 

Sisters of our star, you who represent 
the five distinguished heroines of our 
Order, have you anything to offer ere we 
leave the grave of our departed sister? 

Sister Adah, what is the voice and 
tribute from the Blue point of our 
emblematic Star? 

Adah. Blue symbolizes Fidelity and 
is appropriate to Jephthah's Daughter, 
who, in the morning of life, surrendered 
to the grave the brightest of earthly 
hopes, that she might be faithful to her 
convictions of right and preserve her 



126 Order of the Eastern Star. 

father's honor. As a token of faithfulness 
to the memory of our sister, I deposit in 
her grave this tribute of faithful love. 

At the proper time each officer will drop into 
the grave, or place upon the casket, the flowers 
provided for that purpose. 

Adah deposits her tribute and then, address- 
ing Ruth, says: 

Sister Ruth, what is the voice and 
tribute from the Yellow point of our Star? 

Ruth. Yellow symbolizes Constancy, 
teaching faithful obedience to the 
demands of honor and justice. Ruth 
exemplified these virtues in humble sta- 
tion and sought the society of the good 
and true. In token of appreciation of 
these virtues, I deposit in the grave of our 
sister this floral tribute. 

Deposits her tribute and then, addressing 
Esther, says: 

"Sister Esther, what is the voice and 
tribute from the White point of our Star? 

Esther. White symbolizes Light and 
Purity. The heroic Queen Esther evinced 



Funeral Ceremonies. 127 

the purity of her motive and love of kin- 
dred and friends by her willingness to 
risk the loss of crown and life, to save 
her people from death. In token of sin- 
cere affection for our sister, I deposit in 
her grave this emblem of Light and Purity. 

Deposits her tribute and then, addressing 
Martha, says: 

Sister Martha, what is the voice and 
tribute from the Green point of our Star? 

Martha. Green is an emblem of 
nature's life and beauty. The evergreen is 
a symbol of Immortal Life and teaches us 
that in the economy of God, there is no 
death; forms change, but the spirit sur- 
vives. Martha, beside the grave of her 
beloved brother, avowed her trustful faith 
and hope of immortal life. In the full 
assurance of our sister's entrance upon a 
glorious immortality, I deposit in her 
grave this evergreen. 

Deposits her tribute and then, addressing 
Electa, says: 

Sister Electa, what is the voice and 
tribute from the Red point of our Star? 



128 Order of the Eastern Star. 

Electa. Red symbolizes Fervency and 
Zeal. Electa represents those who have 
been pre-eminent in charity and heroic in 
endurance of the wrongs of persecution. 
In token of the fervency of our affection 
for our sister, I deposit in her grave this 
tribute of love. 

Deposits her tribute and then, addressing 
the Worthy Matron, says: 

Worthy Matron, we have spoken from 
the five points of our emblematic Star, but 
our departed sister hears us not. Is it in 
vain that we speak to the living? 

W. M. You have spoken well, my 
sisters. It is not in vain that we hear the 
oft repeated lessons of our Star. It is 
true that our sister hears not with mortal 
ear the lessons she was wont to learn from 
you; but is it true that she listens not to 
our words of love and sees not the beauti- 
ful tributes strewn within her grave? 
May not her quickened spirit, freed from 
its earthly tenement, yet hover around the 
loved ones here assembled, listen to our 
words and perceive with clearer vision 
our very movement? 



Funeral Ceremonies. 129 

She needs not to be ministered unto; 
but may she not now minister to us? 
"Are they not all ministering spirits?" 
saith the apostle. 

Love is an attribute of the soul and 
imperishable. Our sister's affection ceases 
not; therefore may she not now be whis- 
pering to grief-stricken hearts, "Peace, 
be still," "Lo, I am with you always." 
Think not that the spirit world is distant. 
Our loved ones, though lost to mortal 
sight, may yet be with us in spiritual 
existence. Let their loving presence be 
to us a perpetual inspiration, calling us to 
a higher moral and spiritual life. 

These beautiful flowers are the highest 
expression of nature's loveliness. We 
never tire of looking at their perfect and 
delicately variegated tints. From time 
immemorial, they have been endowed with 
expressive language. They speak to us, 
"To whisper hope whene'er our faith 
grows dim." But these floral emblems, 
with all their exquisite loveliness, are but 
dim reflections of the glories that may be 



130 Order of the Eastern Star. 

unfolded to our spiritual vision. In token 
of our hope that such an unfolding of 
spiritual life may come to us all, I scatter 
these flowers within the grave of our 
departed sister. May we cherish her 
memory and emulate her virtues. 

Deposits her tribute and then, addressing the 
Worthy Patron, says: 

Worthy Patron, within the grave, hal- 
lowed by the tenderest ties of human 
affection, we scatter these floral emblems 
of nature's loveliness and spiritual life. 
May we not trust all else to the Father's 
loving care? 

W. P. The Infinite Father's ever 
watchful care is nowhere more impres- 
sively taught than by His voice speaking 
to us through the floral kingdom. Over 
the whole earth where life exists, flowers 
bloom in endless variety and profusion; 
there is no place so obscure but that they 
blossom there and give to the world their 
beauty and fragrance. Some open with 



Funeral Ceremonies. 131 

the rising sun and close with his setting 
rays. Others open to the full moon and 
starry firmanent and shrink before the 
piercing gaze of the king of day. 

So the Father's love goes forth by day 
and night to the weakest, most humble 
and obscure of His children. 

We are told to consider the lilies of the 
field and learn the paternal love of Him, 
beyond whose watchful care none can 
stray. Not a sparrow falls without His 
notice. "Ye are of more value than many 
sparrows." 

In token of our trust in the all-embrac- 
ing love of the Infinite Father, I deposit 
these emblems of His watchful care in the 
grave of our departed sister. 

Drops the flowers and continues as follows: 

Sisters and brothers, within the city of 
the dead, we consign to the bosom of 
mother earth all that was mortal of our 
departed sister. ~ The body we leave in the 
grave is but the casket which held the 



132 Order of the Eastern Star. 

precious jewel of life. We bear it ten- 
derly to its resting-place, because it is the 
form by which we knew her in our Chap- 
ter. Peacefully let it rest in the hallowed 
ground where we place it. Upon her 
grave flowerets will bloom amid all the 
countless activities of nature's life. 



"The murmuring brook, the bird on airy wing, 
And whispering pines, will here her requiem sing," 

Over her the fleeting shadows will pass. 
The rising sun will scatter over the cham- 
bers of the dead his gladsome rays, and tint 
the western sky with the glories of depart- 
ing day. In the hush of night the feeble 
rays of countless stars, traveling centuries 
on their journey here, will finally rest 
upon her grave. 

We leave, in this lowly bed, the earthly 
form of our departed sister and may the 
hallowing influence of this providence go 
with us in the remaining journey of our 
life and when our earthly mission is over, 
and we are "beyond the smiling and the 



Funeral Ceremonies. 133 

weeping" of earth, may we gather with 
the loved ones gone before. 

Let us unite in prayer. 



PRAYER. 

Our Father who art in Heaven, in whom we 
live and in whom are all the issues of life and 
^eath; we come to Thee, in this hour of sorrow 
and ask that we may so learn the lessons of this 
hour, that when it shall be our turn to lay aside 
our mortality, that we may do it with trustful 
faith in Thee and hope of a glorious immortality. 
We pray Thee to look with tender compassion upon 
these Thy children, whose household has been 
broken by this providence. May they lie passive 
in the arms of Thy chastening love and realize 
that there is wisdom and goodness in all Thy 
appointments. Sanctify this bereavement to the 
good of us all. May it be the means of drawing 
us closer to Thee and of our loving and serving 
Thee forever. And as it has pleased Thee to call 
from the toils of earth the soul of our beloved 
sister, we commit her remains to the silent tomb. 
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, hope- 
fully looking to a joyful reunion with her, in that 
land where separation and death are known iw 
more, forever. AMEN. 

Response So may it ever be. 



134 Order of the Eastern Star. 

SINGING. 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee! 

Ev'n though it be a cross 
That raiseth me I 

Still all my song shall be, 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee! 

Though like a wanderer, 
The sun gone down, 

Darkness be over me, 
My rest a stone, 

Yet in my dreams I'd be 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee! 

Or, if on joyful wing 
Cleaving the sky, 

Sun, moon and stars forgot, 
Upward I fly, 

Still all my song shall be, 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, 
Nearer to Thee. 



Jformtf. 



PETITION FOR DEGREES. 
To the Worthy Matron, Officers and Members of 

Chapter, No , Order of the Eastern 

Star: 

The undersigned respectfully petitions to 
receive the Degrees of the Order of the Eastern 
Star and become a member of your Chapter. 

If accepted, . . . he pledges .... self to a cheerful 
obedience to the laws of the Order. 

Have you ever before petitioned a regularly con- 
stituted Chapter, 0. E. S.? Ans 

Residence Signed 

Recommended by of 

of Lodge, 

F. & A. M. of 

PETITION FOR AFFILIATION. 
To the Worthy Matron, Officers and Members of 

Chapter, No , Order of the Eastern 

Star: 

The undersigned, late a member of 

Chapter, No ,of , solicits Affil- 
iation with your Chapter. 

If this Petition shall be granted, . . . he pledges 
.... self to a cheerful obedience to the laws of the 
Order, 

13$ 



136 Order of the Eastern Star. 



Residence Signed. 

Recommended by 



{The Petition must be accompanied by a Dimit 
from the Chapter of which the Petitioner was 
last a member, or its absence satisfactorily ex- 
plained.) 



To all Members of the Order of the Eastern Star: 
This Dimit witnesseth, 

That , whose name appears in 

the margin of this instrument, was received into 

Chapter, No , of 

19. . .. And that having paid all Dues, and being 
free from all charges, .. .he is at .... own request 
lawfully dismissed from Membership therein. 

Given under my hand and the Seal of the 

Chapter, this day of ,19. . . 

Secretary. 




M -3 1922 



